Lepanto in Poinsett County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
SSG James R. Hendrix
Medal of Honor
4th Armored Div WWII
Dedicated for
action on Dec 26 1944 in the
Battle of the Bulge
Belgium
His bravery, courage, and valor was
beyond the call of duty when faced
with overwhelming odds.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list.
Location. 35° 36.725′ N, 90° 19.9′ W. Marker is in Lepanto, Arkansas, in Poinsett County. Memorial is on Alexander Avenue south of Holmes Street, on the left when traveling south. Memorial is in front of Willie Lamb Post No. 26 American Legion Hut. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 Alexander Ave, Lepanto AR 72354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lepanto Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); Johnny Cash (approx. 5 miles away); Community Building (approx. 6.7 miles away); Cafe & Shops (approx. 6.8 miles away); Dyess Colony (approx. 6.8 miles away); Commissary (approx. 6.8 miles away); School (approx. 6.8 miles away); Garden Point Cemetery (approx. 8 miles away).
Regarding SSG James R. Hendrix. From the Medal of Honor citation:
On the night of 26 December 1944, near Assenois, Belgium, he was with the leading element engaged in the final thrust to break through to the besieged garrison at Bastogne when halted by a fierce combination of artillery and small-arms fire. He dismounted from his half-track and advanced against two 88-mm guns, and, by the ferocity of his rifle fire, compelled the guncrews to take cover and then to surrender. Later in the attack he again left his vehicle, voluntarily, to aid two wounded soldiers, helpless and exposed to intense machine-gun fire. Effectively silencing two hostile machine guns, he held off the enemy by his own fire until the wounded men were evacuated. Pvt. Hendrix again distinguished himself when he hastened to the aid of still another soldier who was trapped in a burning half-track. Braving enemy sniper fire and exploding mines and ammunition in the vehicle, he extricated the wounded man and extinguished his flaming clothing, thereby saving the life of his fellow soldier. Pvt. Hendrix, by his superb courage and heroism, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service.
President Harry S. Truman presented the award to Hendrix during a White House ceremony in August, 1945. Hendrix, a Lepanto native, died in 2002 and is buried in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.