World War I Double Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War I as a Gunnery Sergeant in the 49th Company, 5th Regiment, 2nd Division, (he served under name of Charles F. Hoffman and later changed his name to Ernest August Janson). His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Immediately after the company to which G/Sgt. Janson belonged, had reached its objective on Hill 142, several hostile counterattacks were launched against the line before the new position had been consolidated. G/Sgt. Janson was attempting to organize a position on the north slope of the hill when he saw 12 of the enemy, armed with 5 light machineguns, crawling toward his group. Giving the alarm, he rushed the hostile detachment, bayoneted the 2 leaders, and forced the others to flee, abandoning their guns. His quick action, initiative and courage drove the enemy from a position from which they could have swept the hill with machinegun fire and forced the withdrawal of our troops". He was awarded both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor in 1919, making him one of a handful of servicement to be awarded two Medals of Honor.
World War I Double Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War I as a Gunnery Sergeant in the 49th Company, 5th Regiment, 2nd Division, (he served under name of Charles F. Hoffman and later changed his name to Ernest August Janson). His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Immediately after the company to which G/Sgt. Janson belonged, had reached its objective on Hill 142, several hostile counterattacks were launched against the line before the new position had been consolidated. G/Sgt. Janson was attempting to organize a position on the north slope of the hill when he saw 12 of the enemy, armed with 5 light machineguns, crawling toward his group. Giving the alarm, he rushed the hostile detachment, bayoneted the 2 leaders, and forced the others to flee, abandoning their guns. His quick action, initiative and courage drove the enemy from a position from which they could have swept the hill with machinegun fire and forced the withdrawal of our troops". He was awarded both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor in 1919, making him one of a handful of servicement to be awarded two Medals of Honor.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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