This Week in Arkansas History, Episode 48: "Medal of Honor: Edgar Lloyd"
Channel: Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston
Date: 25/03/2014

Episode 48 continues a series of features on Arkansas's Congressional Medal of Honor heroes. "Medal of Honor: Edagar Lloyd" is part of a made-for-radio series presented by Secretary of State Mark Martin. 

In September 1944, the 319th Infantry was participating in the Lorraine operation to repel German troops near the Moselle River in France. On September 14, Lloyd's company was assigned to expel 200 enemy troops from a heavily fortified position near the small town of Pompey. Lloyd led his men into heavy fire and jumped into the first enemy machine gun position. He knocked out the gunner with his fist, dropped a grenade, and jumped out before it exploded. He personally destroyed five machine guns and many of the enemy and inspired his men to overrun the enemy positions in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Lloyd was scheduled to receive his Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but he was killed in action by enemy sniper fire on November 16, 1944, near Limey, France. He is buried on the Mississippi County Courthouse lawn in Blytheville, adjacent to a monument honoring all of the Mississippi County service men killed in both world wars. His family gave his Medal of Honor to the county judge, and it is kept in the judge's office in the courthouse.


Each episode of "This Week" features notable events, personalities and landmarks that have shaped the state's history. We've adapted these clips for the web to bring you a peek into the Natural State's past that we hope you'll enjoy. Watch for more episodes on our YouTube channel,