Week of July 7-11: The Museum will be closing early at 3pm each day this week to accommodate glass replacement in the entry rotunda.  Please pardon our mess during this construction.Hours, Directions And Parking
  • Plan your visit
    VISITTicket Packages and Offers
    VISITPlan a Group Visit
  • Explore All exhibits and events
    EXHIBITMoments of Action
    Free Teacher DaysNews
  • Explore All Recipients Stories
    EXHIBITMore Than a Medal
  • Ways to Get Involved
    BECOME A MEMBEREnjoy Year-Round Free Admission
    PRESSROOMAwarding Seven New Medals of Honor
  • Museum Map
  • Contact
  • Search
U.S. Army
Britt, Maurice Lee (Footsie)
Britt, Maurice Lee (Footsie)

ConflictWorld War II
RankCaptain
Year Of Action1943
Unit/CommandCompany L, 3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
HometownCarlisle, Arkansas

Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Disdaining enemy hand grenades and close-range machine pistol, machinegun, and rifle, Lt. Britt inspired and led a handful of his men in repelling a bitter counterattack by approximately 100 Germans against his company positions north of Mignano, Italy, the morning of 10 November 1943. During the intense fire fight, Lt. Britt’s canteen and field glasses were shattered; a bullet pierced his side; his chest, face, and hands were covered with grenade wounds. Despite his wounds, for which he refused to accept medical attention until ordered to do so by his battalion commander following the battle, he personally killed 5 and wounded an unknown number of Germans, wiped out one enemy machinegun crew, fired 5 clips of carbine and an undetermined amount of M1 rifle ammunition, and threw 32 fragmentation grenades. His bold, aggressive actions, utterly disregarding superior enemy numbers, resulted in capture of 4 Germans, 2 of them wounded, and enabled several captured Americans to escape. Lt. Britt’s undaunted courage and prowess in arms were largely responsible for repulsing a German counterattack which, if successful, would have isolated his battalion and destroyed his company.

Branch: U.S. ArmyConflict: World War IIYear of Action: 1943
More On Maurice Lee (Footsie) Britt

Explore Fellow Recipients

See the recipients that share the same branch of service or conflict as Maurice Lee (Footsie) Britt
Label

View all Recipients
The Medal

A Medal Steeped in History

Uncover the inspiring legacy, symbolism, and selection criteria of the Medal of Honor.


EXPLORE THE MEDAL
A Medal Steeped in History
Exhibits

THE RING OF VALOR

Step into the heart of the Museum and surround yourself with stories of courage and sacrifice.


VIEW EXHIBIT DETAILS
THE RING OF VALOR
Buy Tickets
Become a Member
Donate 
to the Museum