Francis S. Currey facts for kids
Francis Sherman "Frank" Currey (born June 29, 1925 – died October 8, 2019) was a brave United States Army soldier. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United States. He earned this honor for his amazing actions during World War II.
Frank Currey's Early Life
Frank Currey was born in Loch Sheldrake, New York. He grew up without his parents in foster care. After finishing high school, he joined the Army. He went to Officer Candidate School but was too young to become an officer.
In the spring of 1944, he was sent to England. Back then, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had a rule. Soldiers had to be at least 19 years old to fight in combat. After his 19th birthday in June, Frank was sent to Normandy. This was weeks after D-Day. He joined the 120th Infantry Regiment in the Netherlands in September 1944.
Heroic Actions in Battle
During the Battle of the Bulge, Frank Currey was in Malmedy, Belgium. On December 21, 1944, German Tanks and soldiers attacked his position. Currey and five other American soldiers had to retreat. They found shelter in an old factory while under heavy enemy fire.
Currey found a Bazooka and some ammunition nearby. He quickly fired the bazooka at the closest German tank, stopping it. Then, he moved forward and used his BAR to stop three enemy soldiers. He fired the bazooka at the same house, which made the remaining Germans run away.
He then saw five more American soldiers who were trapped by three German tanks. Using anti-tank grenades, he forced the Germans to leave their tanks. This allowed the American soldiers to escape. Currey then used a heavy machine gun to keep the Germans away. He held off the Germans for twelve hours! After dark, Currey and his friends found a jeep. They drove back to their own lines. Sergeant Currey saved five fellow Americans, two of whom were wounded. He also stopped a German attack that could have surrounded his division.
Awards and Honors
For his bravery, Francis Currey received many awards. The highest was the Medal of Honor. He also received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart.
- Medal of Honor: The highest military award in the United States.
- Purple Heart: Given to soldiers wounded or killed in action.
- Bronze Star Medal: For heroic or brave actions in a combat zone.
- Silver Star: For courage when facing an enemy.
Belgium also honored him with their highest award, the Order of Leopold. In 2006, he was added to the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame.
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Medal of Honor highest military decoration awarded by the United States government
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Purple Heart for being wounded (or killed) in any action against an enemy of the United States
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Silver Star for valor in the face of an enemy
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Order of Leopold for extreme bravery in combat or for meritorious service of immense benefit to the Belgian nation
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The 120th Infantry Regiment
Life After the Army
After his time in the Army, Frank Currey went back to New York. He worked at the VA Hospital in Albany, New York. He held several jobs there and retired in 1980. After retiring, he started a landscaping business.
He later moved to South Carolina and lived there for about 20 years. Then, he returned to Selkirk, New York. Since 2004, his hometown of Hurleyville, New York has celebrated "Francis S. Currey Day" every year. In 2009, Governor David Paterson of New York declared July 12, 2009, as "Sgt. Francis S. Currey Day" for the entire state.
Frank Currey passed away on October 8, 2019, in Selkirk, New York. He was 94 years old.
