World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was posthumously issued the award on June 28, 1945, for his actions as a sergeant with Company B, 319th Infantry, 8th Infantry Division, US Army, on January 8, 1945, near Dahl, Luxemburg. He joined the US Army in September 1943 and following his basic and combat training, he was sent to the European Theater. On that day, he led his squad in the defense of a house against an intense German attack. Fighting hand-to-hand at times, the squad successfully repulsed the Germans and took dozens of prisoners. Turner was later promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant, but was killed in combat exactly one month after his Medal of Honor actions in Dahl. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "He commanded a 9-man squad with the mission of holding a critical flank position. When overwhelming numbers of the enemy attacked under cover of withering artillery, mortar, and rocket fire, he withdrew his squad into a nearby house, determined to defend it to the last man. The enemy attacked again and again and were repulsed with heavy losses. Supported by direct tank fire, they finally gained entrance, but the intrepid sergeant refused to surrender although 5 of his men were wounded and 1 was killed. He boldly flung a can of flaming oil at the first wave of attackers, dispersing them, and fought doggedly from room to room, closing with the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand encounters. He hurled handgrenade for handgrenade, bayoneted 2 fanatical Germans who rushed a doorway he was defending and fought on with the enemy's weapons when his own ammunition was expended. The savage fight raged for 4 hours, and finally, when only 3 men of the defending squad were left unwounded, the enemy surrendered. Twenty-five prisoners were taken, 11 enemy dead and a great number of wounded were counted. Sgt. Turner's valiant stand will live on as a constant inspiration to his comrades. His heroic, inspiring leadership, his determination and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest tradition of the military service."
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was posthumously issued the award on June 28, 1945, for his actions as a sergeant with Company B, 319th Infantry, 8th Infantry Division, US Army, on January 8, 1945, near Dahl, Luxemburg. He joined the US Army in September 1943 and following his basic and combat training, he was sent to the European Theater. On that day, he led his squad in the defense of a house against an intense German attack. Fighting hand-to-hand at times, the squad successfully repulsed the Germans and took dozens of prisoners. Turner was later promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant, but was killed in combat exactly one month after his Medal of Honor actions in Dahl. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "He commanded a 9-man squad with the mission of holding a critical flank position. When overwhelming numbers of the enemy attacked under cover of withering artillery, mortar, and rocket fire, he withdrew his squad into a nearby house, determined to defend it to the last man. The enemy attacked again and again and were repulsed with heavy losses. Supported by direct tank fire, they finally gained entrance, but the intrepid sergeant refused to surrender although 5 of his men were wounded and 1 was killed. He boldly flung a can of flaming oil at the first wave of attackers, dispersing them, and fought doggedly from room to room, closing with the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand encounters. He hurled handgrenade for handgrenade, bayoneted 2 fanatical Germans who rushed a doorway he was defending and fought on with the enemy's weapons when his own ammunition was expended. The savage fight raged for 4 hours, and finally, when only 3 men of the defending squad were left unwounded, the enemy surrendered. Twenty-five prisoners were taken, 11 enemy dead and a great number of wounded were counted. Sgt. Turner's valiant stand will live on as a constant inspiration to his comrades. His heroic, inspiring leadership, his determination and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest tradition of the military service."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
Day G Turner SSGT 319 INF 80 DIV Pennsylvania Feb 8 1945
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