Michael A. Donaldson
Quick Facts
Biography
Michael Aloysius Donaldson (January 16, 1884 – April 12, 1970) was a United States Army sergeant and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in France during World War I.
Medal of Honor Citation
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division. Place and date: At Sommerance-Landres-et St. Georges Road, France, 14 October 1918. Entered service at: Haverstraw, N.Y. Born: 1884, Haverstraw, N.Y. General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 9, March 23, 1923.
Citation:
The advance of his regiment having been checked by intense machinegun fire of the enemy, who were entrenched on the crest of a hill before Landres-et St. Georges, his company retired to a sunken road to reorganize their position, leaving several of their number wounded near the enemy lines. Of his own volition, in broad daylight and under direct observation of the enemy and with utter disregard for his own safety, he advanced to the crest of the hill, rescued one of his wounded comrades, and returned under withering fire to his own lines, repeating his splendidly heroic act until he had brought in all the men, 6 in number.
Military Awards[2][3]
Donaldson's military decorations and awards include:
1st row | Medal of Honor | World War I Victory Medal w/one silver service star to denote credit for the Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector battle clasps. | Army of Occupation of Germany Medal | ||||||
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2nd row | Médaille militaire (French Republic) | Croix de guerre 1914–1918 w/bronze palm (French Republic) | Medal for Military Bravery (Kingdom of Montenegro) |