Frank D. Peregory

Who was Frank D. Peregory?

Frank D. Peregory was a United States Army technical sergeant who posthumously received the United States military's highest decoration for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during World War II. In a previous incident, he also received the Soldier's Medal for rescuing another soldier from drowning.

Peregory grew up in a large family in Virginia and although he was only 15 years old, in 1931 he lied about his age in order to join the Virginia Army National Guard. When the United States entered World War II in December 1941 his unit was activated and while performing training Peregory received the Soldiers medal for saving a fellow soldier from drowning.

When the unit arrived for combat overseas they were assigned to the D-Day invasion of Normandy and Peregory again risked his life by single handedly attacking a fortified German machine-gun emplacement, killing several and taking more than 30 prisoners. For his actions during the battle he later received the Medal of Honor. The Medal was presented posthumously, however, because on June 14, 1944, six days after the action for which he would be awarded the Medal of Honor, he was killed.