SGT Francis S. Currey
Bonneau, World War II

CURREY, FRANCIS S.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army,
Company K, 120th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division

Place and date: Malmedy, Belgium, 21 December 1944

Entered service at: Hurleyville, NY

Birthplace: Loch Sheldrake, NY

G.O. No.: 69, 17 August 1945

Citation: He was an automatic rifleman with the 3d Platoon defending a strong point near Malmedy, Belgium, on 2l December 1944, when the enemy launched a powerful attack. Overrunning tank destroyers and antitank guns located near the strong point, German tanks advanced to the 3d Platoon's position, and, after prolonged fighting, forced the withdrawal of this group to a nearby factory. SGT Currey found a bazooka in the building and crossed the street to secure rockets meanwhile enduring intense fire from enemy tanks and hostile infantrymen who had taken up a position at a house a short distance away. In the face of small arms, machine-gun, and artillery fire, he, with a companion, knocked out a tank with 1 shot. Moving to another position, he observed 3 Germans in the doorway of an enemy-held house. He killed or wounded all 3 with his automatic rifle. He emerged from cover and advanced alone to within 50 yards of the house, intent on wrecking it with rockets. Covered by friendly fire, he stood erect, and fired a shot which knocked down half of 1 wall. While in this forward position, he observed 5 Americans who had been pinned down for hours by fire from the house and 3 tanks. Realizing that they could not escape until the enemy tank and infantry guns had been silenced, SGT Currey crossed the street to a vehicle, where he procured an armful of antitank grenades. These he launched while under heavy enemy fire, driving the tankmen from the vehicles into the house. He then climbed onto a halftrack in full view of the Germans and fired a machine-gun at the house. Once again changing his position, he manned another machine-gun whose crew had been killed; under his covering fire the 5 soldiers were able to retire to safety. Deprived of tanks and with heavy infantry casualties, the enemy was forced to withdraw. Through his extensive knowledge of weapons and by his heroic and repeated braving of murderous enemy fire, SGT Currey was greatly responsible for inflicting heavy losses in men and material on the enemy, for rescuing 5 comrades, 2 of whom were wounded, and for stemming an attack which threatened to flank his battalion's position.

July 12, 2008
Francis S. Currey Honored in Hurleyville

July 3, 2005
Francis S. Currey Honored at Shea Stadium

July 10, 2004
Francis S. Currey Day in Hurleyville

1945
Congressional Medal Winner
Was Guest at Full Day Fete;
Hurleyville the Main Spot


John Miller and Francis Currey
August, 1945


Francis Currey and Milton Levine


Francis Currey, 1980


Francis Currey, 2003

US World War II Hero
Recounts Battle That Earned Him
Nation's Highest Military Honor

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