21236: Stiddem: Medal of Honor Recipients from the Second Haiti Campaign, 1919-1920 (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: StiddemDavid@aol.com

The following is from the US Army Center of Military History web site
(http://www.army.mil/cmh/Moh1.htm):

Medal of Honor Recipients from the Second Haiti Campaign, 1919-1920

BUTTON, WILLIAM ROBERT

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Entered service at: St.
Louis, Mo. Born: 3 December 1895, St. Louis, Mo. G.O. No.: 536, 10 June 1920.
Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in actual conflict with the enemy near Grande Riviere, Republic of Haiti, on
the night of 31 October_l November 1919, resulting in the death of Charlemagne
Peralte, the supreme bandit chief in the Republic of Haiti, and the killing,
capture and dispersal of about 1,200 of his outlaw followers. Cpl. William R.
Button not only distinguished himself by his excellent judgment and leadership
but also unhesitatingly exposed himself to great personal danger when the
slightest error would have forfeited not only his life but the lives of the
detachments of Gendarmerie under his command. The successful termination of his
mission will undoubtedly prove of untold value to the Republic of Haiti.

HANNEKEN, HERMAN HENRY
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps. Place and date:
Near Grande Riviere, Republic of Haiti, 31 October-1 November 1919. Entered
service at: St. Louis, Mo. Born: 23 June 1893, St. Louis, Mo. G.O. No.: 536, 10
June 1920. Other Navy awards: Navy Cross with 1 gold star, Silver Star, Legion
of Merit. Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in actual conflict with the enemy near Grande Riviere, Republic of
Haiti, on the night of 31 October-1 November 1919, resulting in the death of
Charlemagne Peralte, the supreme bandit chief in the Republic of Haiti, and the
killing, capture, and dispersal of about 1,200 of his outlaw followers. 2d
Lt. Hanneken not only distinguished himself by his excellent judgment and
leadership but also unhesitatingly exposed himself to great personal danger when the
slightest error would have forfeited not only his life but the lives of the
detachments of gendarmerie under his command. The successful termination of his
mission will undoubtedly prove of untold value to the Republic of Haiti.