Charles DeGlopper's Medal of Honor Sacrifice in Normandy

Dec 25 , 2025

Charles DeGlopper's Medal of Honor Sacrifice in Normandy

Charles N. DeGlopper stood alone on that narrow ridge, the roar of German shells cracking around him like a storm of death. His squad was falling back amid the carnage, but he stayed—holding the line with nothing but a rifle and raw grit. Every shot fired was a prayer and a promise: not one step backward.

The Young Soldier from New York

Born in Ticonderoga, New York, in 1921, DeGlopper grew up in soil thick with American values—hard work, loyalty, and faith. Raised Methodist, a quiet reverence shaped him. His small-town roots bore a man of sturdy resolve and unwavering discipline.

Before the war, he worked on farms and in factories, knowing the grind of honest labor. When the call came, he enlisted in the 82nd Airborne Division, a unit forged for hell itself. His faith and code were silent armor beneath his uniform.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13

This verse wasn’t just scripture to DeGlopper—it was the razor edge he sharpened daily.

The Battle That Defined Him: Normandy, June 9, 1944

The push out of Normandy was hell unleashed. The 82nd Airborne fought to secure a vital bridge at La Fière, crucial to the Allied breakout after D-Day.

On June 9, DeGlopper’s unit was ordered to withdraw under withering fire. Instead of retreating, he volunteered to cover the withdrawal, mowing down enemy soldiers from a well-placed position.

Bullets tore past him. Mortar shells ripped earth and metal nearby. But still, he fired—single-handedly delaying the German advance while his comrades escaped the ambush.

Two men were killed beside him, but he pressed on.

Corporal DeGlopper was wounded during the fight, yet refused to abandon his post.

He died on that ridge.

His stand wasn’t just a tactic—it was a sacrificial act to save lives, a young man choosing death over dishonor.

Medal of Honor: Valor Etched in Blood

Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, DeGlopper’s citation details his unyielding defense:

“With unwavering courage, Corporal DeGlopper exposed himself to deadly fire, covering the withdrawal of his unit… He inflicted severe casualties on the enemy long after others had withdrawn.”¹

Brigadier General Matthew Ridgway called him “the epitome of the American fighting man.” A comrade remembered:

“Chuck saved our lives that day. Without him, we wouldn’t have made it.”

DeGlopper’s name is etched on the Tablets of the Missing at the Normandy American Cemetery—the ultimate sacrifice acknowledged by a grateful nation.

The Legacy of a Fallen Brother

Charles DeGlopper’s story is carved deep into the foundation of what it means to serve: courage against a storm of bullets, faith in a just cause, and choosing selflessness when the cost is everything.

Today, his heroism echoes in airborne training grounds and memorials across the country. The Charles DeGlopper Bridge near La Fière stands as a silent sentinel to his sacrifice.

His sacrifice teaches us that true valor is never about glory or recognition—it’s about standing your ground when all hope seems lost.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

DeGlopper’s life was a brief flame, but it burned so bright it sweeps across generations. His legacy reminds veterans and civilians alike that in sacrifice lies redemption—and through sacrifice, there is eternal honor.

Sources

1. U.S. Army Center of Military History, Medal of Honor Recipients: World War II 2. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 82nd Airborne Division after D-Day 3. Ridgway, Matthew B., Crusade in Europe, 1949 4. Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial records