Army Lt. Takes Out Trench Enemies, Helps Turn Tide of WWI

By Katie Lange, Defense Media Activity

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. involvement in World War I, so on this Medal of Honor Monday, it’s fitting to honor a recipient whose courage and tenacity helped turn the tide of the war in the Allies’ favor.

Army 1st Lt. William B. Turner enlisted in 1915 after moving to New York from Massachusetts. On April 6, 1917, the U.S. joined the war in Europe alongside its allies, Britain, France and Russia. By the next year, Turner was serving alongside them in northern France as part of the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division.

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The 27th, along with soldiers from the 30th Infantry Division, was among those who fought in the pivotal Battle of St. Quentin Canal, near the town of Ronssoy, in late September 1918.

St. Quentin Canal was one of two key battles that took place during the Great War’s 100 Day Offensive. The American 30th and 27th had joined British and Australian troops in a fight to gain a crossing point over the canal, which was part of the heavily defended Hindenburg Line, where Germany had begun its offensive earlier that year.

Turner fought and died in the battle, displaying bravery that would posthumously earn him the Medal of Honor.