Frank Gaffney (Medal of Honor)

Frank Joseph Gaffney (December 18, 1883 – May 25, 1948) was a soldier in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I. He was considered "the second bravest man in the U. S. Army."

Gaffney was born December 18, 1883 in Buffalo, New York. He died May 25, 1948, and is buried in United German and French Cemetery Buffalo, New York.

27th Division commander Major General John F. O'Ryan reportedly called PFC Gaffney "the human hurricane." PFC Gaffney also received the British Distinguished Conduct Medal, the French Croix de Guerre and Médaille militaire, and the Montenegrin Medal for Military Bravery. Gaffney, who was known as "the second bravest man in the U. S. Army," later lost his left arm in fighting at St. Souplet on October 15.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 108th Infantry, 27th Division. Place and date: Near Ronssoy, France, 29 September 1918. Entered service at: Niagara Falls, N.Y. Birth: Buffalo, N.Y. G.O. No.: 20, W.D., 1919.

Citation:

Pfc. Gaffney, an automatic rifleman, pushing forward alone, after all the other members of his squad had been killed, discovered several Germans placing a heavy machinegun in position. He killed the crew, captured the gun, bombed several dugouts, and, after killing 4 more of the enemy with his pistol, held the position until reinforcements came up, when 80 prisoners were captured.