Joseph B. Longardener

Private First Class Joseph B. Longardener, 35540907, Cavalry, 26th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, United States Army. For gallantry in action west of Mercher, Luxembourg, on 26 January 1945. While rushing to seize the town of Mercher on 26 January 1945, the third platoon of the 26th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop came upon a known enemy minefield lying west of the town. A mine sweeper, which was at first employed to search out the mines, broke down due to a mechanical failure and could not be used. Deep snow and ice prevented detection of the mines when probing with bayonets was tried. Realizing that time was the essential element in the successful accomplishment of the platoon’s mission and that sending for another mine sweeper involved a delay of several hours, Private First Class Longardener, a 26th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop armored car driver, volunteered to drive his M-8 armored car through the area in an attempt to circle the mine field and establish a clear gap for the remainder of his platoon. Proceeding with the dangerous operation, he slowly guided his M-8 through the deep snow and circled the area carefully. He succeeded in avoiding the first five rows of mines but ran across a sixth row which lay at some distance from the others. The front wheels of the vehicle packed the snow down upon a mine and the pressure of the first set of rear wheels detonated it. The ensuing explosion destroyed the rear wheels and blew through the floorboard of the vehicle with such violence that the ammunition inside the armored car exploded. Private First Class Longardener was thrown forward, stunned by a blow to the forehead, and received a severe wound just above his right eye. His heroic act, however, enabled his platoon to determine the extent of the minefield and thus by-pass the dangerous area. With his help, the platoon was able to seize the town and outpost it with sufficient firepower to prevent the enemy from reentering and reorganizing its defenses that night. His unusual courage, initiative and strong devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Longardener and the armed forces of the United States.