2Lt Robert Edward Femoyer MOH

 

 Here's a new listing (for me) of a Medal of Honor recipient.  After reading his story and after you do also, I think you'll agree with me that this Medal was entirely deserved.  

So, let's get on with it. 

Source

 

2Lt Femoyer's B-17

Ok, Lt Femoyer was 23 years old and on his 5th mission as the Navigator on a B-17 bomber over Germany.  

 

That's an AWFUL lot of AAA bursts 

Source

On this mission, the bomber his crew was flying was hit by 3 anti-aircraft rounds and extremely crippled.  Lt Femoyer was severely wounded back and side.  The pilot's realized the aircraft could not continue the mission, so turned around to get back to safe ground.  Lt Femoyer could not stand up, so asked some crewmembers to prop him up so he could see the maps and charts and direct the pilots how to get home. He realized if he took any medication to ease the pain from the wound, he would not be able to perform this mission, so he refused it.

For 2 and 1/2 hours!

Upon successfully getting the crew back to base, he accepted some pain killers.  Unfortunately, he passed away from his injuries shortly after landing.

Rest in Peace, Hero! 

 To quote a movie and President Reagan "Where do we get such men?"

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell

 

Source

 

 Citation for the award of the Medal of Honor to  2Lt Robert Edward Femoyer

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Merseburg, Germany on 2 November 1944. While on a mission, the bomber, of which 2d Lt. Femoyer was a navigator, was struck by three enemy antiaircraft shells. The plane suffered serious damage and 2d Lt. Femoyer was severely wounded in his side and back by shell fragments which penetrated his body. In spite of extreme pain and great loss of blood he refused an offered injection of morphine. He was determined to keep his mental faculties clear in order that he might direct his plane out of danger and so save his comrades. Not being able to arise from the floor, he asked to be propped up in order to enable him to see his charts and instruments. He successfully directed the navigation of his lone bomber for 2 and one half hours so well it avoided enemy flak and returned to the field without further damage. Only when the plane had arrived in the safe area over the English Channel did he feel that he had accomplished his objective; then, and only then, he permitted an injection of a sedative. He died shortly after being moved from the plane. The heroism and self-sacrifice of 2d Lt. Femoyer are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army. 

 

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Edward_Femoyer

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/robert-e-femoyer 

https://www.refuelagency.com/blog/inspirational-veterans-quotes/ 

https://www.military.com/daily-news/investigations-and-features/2026/04/16/mortally-wounded-wwii-navigator-refused-morphine-guide-his-b-17-home.html (5th Combat Mission)