During a reconnaissance patrol along the Ourcq River, France on July 30 1918, Sgt. Richard O'Neill was determined to locate the German artillery batteries which were pounding friendly positions for quite some time.
During the assault, he encountered over 25 Germans who attacked the patrol, killing all of his men while he sustained over 10 separate wounds while he engaged in hand to hand combat. He suffered numerous pistol and shrapnel wounds, but succeeded in returning to friendly lines to provide the details on the artillery battery. As a result, US troops were able to destroy the positions the following day.
O'Neill was hospitalized, but later escaped the hospital to return to his men fighting at the front, only to be wounded once more.
He survived all of his injuries and was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1921.
To mention that he then served in the OSS during WWII and died in 1982 in Valhalla, New York. A true hardfuck. #stayzero #zerofoxtrot #ww1 #hero #badass