Dec 14 , 2025
Charles DeGlopper Medal of Honor Hero Who Saved His Squad
Charles N. DeGlopper stood alone on a ridge carved by death. Bullets tore through the rain and mud like hell’s own hailstorm. The cries of his squad fading behind him, scrambled away. Every inch forward was soaked in blood, every breath a gamble. He held the line—not for glory, but for the men behind him—knowing this stand would be his last.
From Small Town Roots to Warrior’s Code
Born in June 1921, Schroon Lake, New York — a quiet place where families gripped tight to faith and hard work. DeGlopper wasn’t much for talk. His life was anchored in loyalty: to God, to country, and to the brothers he'd fight beside.
Raised in humble surroundings, Charles carried the church’s steady light as much as his rifle. His faith was a quiet fortress. A code deeper than medals: Protect the weak. Stand your ground. Sacrifice without hesitation.
He enlisted in the 82nd Airborne Division — paratroopers called “All-Americans.” A brotherhood bred to fight against impossible odds and come home in one piece or not at all.
The Battle That Defined Him – Normandy, June 9, 1944
D-Day had just hit. Beaches churned with fire and chaos. But the fight stretched inland. The 82nd’s mission: seize the town of La Fière, hold the causeway to allow reinforcements.
DeGlopper’s company pushed hard into the Nazi line. Amid craters and barbed wire, his platoon was ordered to withdraw, but German fire pinned them fast.
DeGlopper volunteered to cover the retreat—alone.
Under relentless machine-gun and rifle fire, he rose over the ridge in full view. His M1 rifle barking, he drew enemy focus. Every shot a heartbeat bought back for his comrades.
Minutes stretched into eternity. Witnesses saw him firing until he fell, riddled with wounds. His sacrifice allowed the company to pull back, regroup, and live.
Greater love has no man than this: he gave all.
Recognition Beyond Words
Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation recognized Charles DeGlopper’s valor—the highest military honor for combat bravery.
His citation reads in part:
“With utter disregard for his own life, Private DeGlopper stood in the face of intense enemy fire, firing his rifle and clearing the path for withdrawal... He died as he lived—steady and brave.”
Generals and comrades alike praised his grit. Major General Matthew Ridgway called acts like DeGlopper’s “the stuff of legends.”
The Legacy Worn in Scars and Sacrifice
Charles DeGlopper’s story is more than a wartime tale; it’s a mirror held up to every soldier who must face death for those left behind.
Sacrifice is not made once and forgotten. It echoes through families, communities, the very fabric of a free nation.
His grave lies in Normandy American Cemetery—never forgotten, always honored. Schools bear his name. Reminders that courage means standing when all odds scream to fall.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”—John 15:13.
Today, DeGlopper’s stand reminds warriors not to seek fame but to act with fierce love and unshakeable faith. His sacrifice whispers: we fight for the man beside us; for the future their blood secures.
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