Frank Gaffney (Medal of Honor)
Encyclopedia
Frank J. Gaffney was a soldier in the United States Army
who received the Medal of Honor
for his actions during the World War I
. He was considered "the second bravest man in the U. S. Army."
. He died May 25, 1948, and is buried in United German and French Cemetery Buffalo, New York.
27th Division commander Major General John F. O'Ryan reportedly called PFC Gaffney "the human hurricane." PFC Gaffney also received the British Distinguished Conduct Medal, the French Croix de Guerre and Medaille Militaire, and the Montenegrin Medal for Military Bravery. Gaffney, who was known as "the second bravest man in the U. S. Army," later lost his left arm in fighting at St. Souplet on October 15.
Citation:
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
who received the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for his actions during the World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. He was considered "the second bravest man in the U. S. Army."
Biography
Gaffney was born December 18, 1883 in Buffalo, New YorkBuffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
. He died May 25, 1948, and is buried in United German and French Cemetery Buffalo, New York.
27th Division commander Major General John F. O'Ryan reportedly called PFC Gaffney "the human hurricane." PFC Gaffney also received the British Distinguished Conduct Medal, the French Croix de Guerre and Medaille Militaire, and the Montenegrin Medal for Military Bravery. Gaffney, who was known as "the second bravest man in the U. S. Army," later lost his left arm in fighting at St. Souplet on October 15.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 108th Infantry, 27th Division. Place and date: Near Ronssoy, France, 29 September 1918. Entered service at: Niagara Falls, N.Y. Birth: Buffalo, N.Y. G.O. No.: 20, W.D., 1919.Citation:
Pfc. Gaffney, an automatic rifleman, pushing forward alone, after all the other members of his squad had been killed, discovered several Germans placing a heavy machinegun in position. He killed the crew, captured the gun, bombed several dugouts, and, after killing 4 more of the enemy with his pistol, held the position until reinforcements came up, when 80 prisoners were captured.