James D. Heriot

James Davison Heriot (November 2, 1890–October 12, 1918) was a S.C. National Guard Soldier from the 118th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I.

Biography

Heriot was born in Providence, South Carolina on November 2, 1890 and died October 12, 1918 in Vaux-Andigny, France. He is buried in Rembert Methodist Church, Lee County, South Carolina. His gravesite is located in the front row of the cemetery plot.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company I, 118th Infantry, 30th Division. Place and date: At Vaux-Andigny, France, 12 October 1918. Entered service at: Providence, S.C. Birth: Providence, S.C. G.O. No.: 13, W.D., 1919.

Citation:

Cpl. Heriot, with 4 other soldiers, organized a combat group and attacked an enemy machine-gun nest which had been inflicting heavy casualties on his company. In the advance 2 of his men were killed, and because of the heavy fire from all sides the remaining 2 sought shelter. Unmindful of the hazard attached to his mission, Cpl. Heriot, with fixed bayonet, alone charged the machinegun, making his way through the fire for a distance of 30 yards and forcing the enemy to surrender. During this exploit he received several wounds in the arm, and later in the same day, while charging another nest, he was killed.