World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously for his actions as a Private with Company B, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, on April 9, 1943, near Fondouk, Tunisia, during the Allied North African Campaign. He joined the United States Army in June 1942, during World War II and, following his combat training, was sent to Tunisia in North Africa, where, on April 9, 1943, he advanced alone across open terrain despite intense hostile fire and began firing on the enemy with his machine gun. After being wounded, he continued to fire until receiving a second, fatal, wound. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action. On 9 April 1943, in the vicinity of Fondouk, Tunisia, Pvt. Booker, while engaged in action against the enemy, carried a light machine gun and a box of ammunition over 200 yards of open ground. He continued to advance despite the fact that 2 enemy machine guns and several mortars were using him as an individual target. Although enemy artillery also began to register on him, upon reaching his objective, he immediately commenced firing. After being wounded, he silenced 1 enemy machine gun and was beginning to fire at the other when he received a second mortal wound. With his last remaining strength he encouraged the members of his squad and directed their fire. Pvt. Booker acted without regard for his own safety. His initiative and courage against insurmountable odds are an example of the highest standard of self-sacrifice and fidelity to duty."
In 2024, the US Army named its new class of armored combat vehicles—the M10 Booker—in his honor.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously for his actions as a Private with Company B, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, on April 9, 1943, near Fondouk, Tunisia, during the Allied North African Campaign. He joined the United States Army in June 1942, during World War II and, following his combat training, was sent to Tunisia in North Africa, where, on April 9, 1943, he advanced alone across open terrain despite intense hostile fire and began firing on the enemy with his machine gun. After being wounded, he continued to fire until receiving a second, fatal, wound. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action. On 9 April 1943, in the vicinity of Fondouk, Tunisia, Pvt. Booker, while engaged in action against the enemy, carried a light machine gun and a box of ammunition over 200 yards of open ground. He continued to advance despite the fact that 2 enemy machine guns and several mortars were using him as an individual target. Although enemy artillery also began to register on him, upon reaching his objective, he immediately commenced firing. After being wounded, he silenced 1 enemy machine gun and was beginning to fire at the other when he received a second mortal wound. With his last remaining strength he encouraged the members of his squad and directed their fire. Pvt. Booker acted without regard for his own safety. His initiative and courage against insurmountable odds are an example of the highest standard of self-sacrifice and fidelity to duty."
In 2024, the US Army named its new class of armored combat vehicles—the M10 Booker—in his honor.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR
PVT
WORLD WAR II
CO B 135 INF
34 INF DIV
Family Members
Other Records
Advertisement
