November 10, 1943

In a battle to take Rome near Mignano, Italy, during World War II, Arkansas native Maurice Lee “Footsie” Britt led his small company in a counterattack opposing approximately 100 German soldiers. Without the repulse of this attack, his battalion would have been isolated and his company destroyed. During this fierce battle, Britt received a bullet wound in his side while his chest, face, and hands were covered with wounds caused by grenades, yet he still managed to throw thirty-two hand grenades. His bold and aggressive actions against the Germans were successful and allowed several captured Americans to escape. For his military gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, he received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

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