Deming Bronson

First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient

World War I

First Lieutenant Deming 'Dick' Bronson (8 July 1894 - 29 May 1957) was a U.S. Army officer who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during World War I.

Deming Bronson was born on 8 July 1894, in Rhinelander, WI. He attended the University of Washington where he majored in forestry and, from 1912 to 1916, played on the Washington Huskies football team.

Bronson joined the Army from Seattle, WA. On 26 September 1918, he was serving in France as a First Lieutenant with Company H of the 364th Infantry Regiment, 91st Division. On the first day of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, near the village of Eclisfontaine, his heroic actions earned him the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company H, 364th Infantry, 91st Division.

Place and date: Near Eclisfontaine, France, 26-27 September 1918.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. On the morning of 26 September, during the advance of the 364th Infantry, 1st Lt. Bronson was struck by an exploding enemy hand grenade, receiving deep cuts on his face and the back of his head. He nevertheless participated in the action which resulted in the capture of an enemy dugout from which a great number of prisoners were taken. This was achieved with difficulty and under extremely hazardous conditions because it was necessary to advance without the advantage of cover and, from an exposed position, throw handgrenades and phosphorous bombs to compel the enemy to surrender. On the afternoon of the same day he was painfully wounded in the left arm by an enemy rifle bullet, and after receiving first aid treatment he was directed to the rear. Disregarding these instructions, 1st Lt. Bronson remained on duty with his company through the night although suffering from severe pain and shock. On the morning of 27 September, his regiment resumed its attack, the object being the village of Eclisfontaine. Company H, to which 1st Lt. Bronson was assigned, was left in support of the attacking line, Company E being in the line. He gallantly joined that company in spite of his wounds and engaged with it in the capture of the village. After the capture he remained with Company E and participated with it in the capture of an enemy machinegun, he himself killing the enemy gunner. Shortly after this encounter the company was compelled to retire due to the heavy enemy artillery barrage. During this retirement 1st Lt. Bronson, who was the last man to leave the advanced position, was again wounded in both arms by an enemy high-explosive shell. He was then assisted to cover by another officer who applied first aid. Although bleeding profusely and faint from the loss of blood, 1st Lt. Bronson remained with the survivors of the company throughout the night of the second day, refusing to go to the rear for treatment. His conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to the members of the entire command.

Bronson was presented the Medal of Honor in the office of President Herbert Hoover on 19 November 1929.

After the war, Bronson became an executive with a paint company in Ohio and New Jersey, and later worked in the family lumber business in Oregon.

Death and Burial

First Lieutenant Deming Bronson died 29 May 1957. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, in Section 30, Lot 500.