Joseph Bernard Adkinson

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Birth: Jan. 4, 1892

Death: May 23, 1965

World War I Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during World War I in the United States Army as a Sergeant in Company C, 119th Infantry, 30th Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Bellicourt, France, on September 29, 1918. His citation reads "When murderous machinegun fire at a range of 50 yards had made it impossible for his platoon to advance, and had caused the platoon to take cover Sgt. Adkinson alone, with the greatest intrepidity, rushed across the 50 yards of open ground directly into the face of the hostile machinegun kicked the gun from the parapet into the enemy trench, and at the point of the bayonet captured the 3 men manning the gun. The gallantry and quick decision of this soldier enabled the platoon to resume its advance". His Medal was issued in 1919. He was one of six Tennessee soldiers to be awarded the Medal of Honor during World War I (the others being James E. Karnes, Milo Lemert, Edward R. Talley, Calvin J. Ward, and the well known Alvin C. York). (bio by: Russ Dodge)

Burial: Salem Associate Reformed Presbyterian Cemetery Salem Tipton County Tennessee, USA