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The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Junior James Spurrier, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Achain, France, on 13 November 1944. At 2 p.m., Company G attacked the village of Achain from the east. Staff Sergeant Spurrier armed with a BAR passed around the village and advanced alone. Attacking from the west, he immediately killed three Germans. From this time until dark, Staff Sergeant Spurrier, using at different times his BAR and M-1 rifle, American and German rocket launchers, a German automatic pistol, and hand grenades, continued his solitary attack against the enemy regardless of all types of small-arms and automatic-weapons fire. As a result of his heroic actions he killed an officer and 24 enlisted men and captured two officers and two enlisted men. His valor has shed fresh honor on the U.S. Armed Forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    134th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 16, 1944
    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 103 (December 4, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Junior James Spurrier (ASN: 13018254), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 16 September 1944. On the morning of 16 September 1944, Company G, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry, was given the mission of taking a hill south of Lay St. Christopher, France. This hill was known to be a strong point, the enemy being firmly entrenched in dug-outs and trenches. As the company advanced in the attack, enemy machine-guns and other automatic weapons opened fire from the right flank. Sergeant Spurrier, Squad Leader, Company G, immediately mounted a nearby tank destroyer and manned its .50 caliber machine-gun. Advancing towards the enemy, he opened fire, killing and wounding many and causing the remainder to retreat to a dug-out. Sergeant Spurrier then jumped off of the vehicle, advanced on the dug-out, and, throwing several hand grenades into it, killed all of its occupants. He then remounted and cleaned out a second enemy dug-out in the same manner. Again remounting the tank destroyer in spite of heavy concentrations of enemy machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire, Sergeant Spurrier resumed his precarious position on the vehicle, firing the .50 caliber machine-gun. In all he took 22 prisoners before reaching the summit of the hill. The extraordinary courage displayed by Sergeant Spurrier; his outstanding heroism and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.