Charles H. Coolidge: World War II Medal of Honor Hero

Charles H. Coolidge (1921–2021) was a U.S. Army technical sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for leading his men through four days of combat in France during World War II. An earlier version of this article described him as living; Coolidge died on April 6, 2021, at age 99.

Four days near Hill 623

From October 24 to 27, 1944, Coolidge’s machine-gun section helped protect the flank of the 141st Infantry Regiment near Belmont-sur-Buttant, France. When his group encountered German infantry and no officer was present, he took command. Some of the soldiers were new to combat. Coolidge moved among them under fire, steadied them, and directed their defense as repeated attacks came.

On the fourth day, the attackers returned with tanks. Coolidge tried to use a bazooka, but it failed. He continued resisting with grenades, then led an orderly withdrawal when the position could no longer be held. He was the last to leave. His leadership enabled the group to complete its mission through cold, rain, and sustained fighting.

A life remembered

Coolidge received the Medal of Honor on June 18, 1945. After the war he returned to Tennessee. The Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga carries his name. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s recipient profile includes his full citation, service record, and dates; its 2021 remembrance records his passing.

His story is one of calm leadership in a frightening moment and lasting service to his community.