Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Garlin Conner.
Garlin enlisted in the Army on March 1, 1941. He completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington.
He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division. He deployed in October 1942 and fought for 28 months on the front lines in 10 campaigns, participated in four amphibious assault landings, was wounded seven times, and earned a battlefield commission.
On January 24, 1945 during Operation Grandslam in Houssen France, Garlin was serving as his unit’s intelligence officer when German formations converged on their position. He maneuvered 400 yards to his battalion’s front line, and went even further ahead of their defensive position where he took limited cover in a shallow ditch.
For three hours, Garlin remained in a prone position, enduring the onslaught of German forces and calmly directed multiple fire missions on to the 600 German infantry troops. When the Germans mounted an all-out attack to overrun the American lines, Garlin ordered his artillery to concentrate on his own position. With complete disregard for his own life, Garlin stopped the enemy advance and prevented heavy causalities in his battalion.
Garlin was discharged from the Army in June 1945. He returned home to a parade in his honor and met the woman he married.
He passed away in 1998. Today, Garlin was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Houssen, France.
We honor his service.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
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I agree, Garlin Conner should be the Veteran of the Day. He was a remarkable soldier. I do have one small suggestion.The Medal of Honor was an upgrade to Lt. Conner’s already existing Distinguished Service Cross. Once the MOH was presented, the DSC would have been automatically rescinded. Your graphic gives the impression that he continues to hold both of these medals, when he does not. It is not possible for a soldier to retain two medals awarded for the same action.
You’re absolutely right. We’ve updated the graphic to reflect. Thank you for pointing that out.