🇺🇲 WWII uncovered: Maurice Britt: The First Person in American History to Earn All of the Army’s Top Awards, including the Medal of Honor, While Fighting in a Single War.

 🇺🇲 WWII uncovered: Maurice Britt: The First Person in American History to Earn All of the Army’s Top Awards, including the Medal of Honor, While Fighting in a Single War. 

An outstanding title for a legendary hero. Maurice Lee Britt, of Arkansas, was a standout student and athlete. 

The former University of Arkansas All-American wide receiver went on to play professional football with the Detroit Lions. 

According to the National Football League: "Britt who received an Army Reserve commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps when he graduated from college, was called to active duty before the Lions' season had ended."

"Less than a year after he left the Lions, Britt began his career in battle as a platoon leader in Casablanca as part of the landings in French North Africa. 

Just weeks after Casablanca was secured, Britt's regiment served as the personal bodyguards for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the Casablanca Conference, where the two leaders mapped out the Allied military strategy against the Axis for the next year." 

"While serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division Britt was part of the invasion of Sicily in the summer of 1943, which included one of the longest marches of the war -- 54 miles in 33 hours. 

After Sicily was captured, Britt was part of the assault landing on the Italian mainland that September, and it was there, after his company commander was injured and evacuated, that Britt assumed command. 

He received honors for his leadership and bravery in leading an assault on an enemy machine gun position, and he received one of his multiple Purple Hearts. In October, he was honored with additional commendations for his actions while engaging the enemy near Monte San Nicola, which allowed another unit to launch an attack." - NFL November 16, 2022

"On November 10, 1943 Lieutenant Britt inspired and led a handful of his men in repelling an aggressive counterattack by approximately 100 Germans against his company position north of Mignano, Italy. 

Despite his numerous wounds, for which he refused to accept medical attention until ordered to do so by his battalion commander following the battle, he personally eliminated five and wounded an unknown number of combatants and decommissioned one enemy machine-gun crew. 

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." 

Maurice would go on to participate in the Invasion of Anzio during which he lost part of his right arm. 

This action would earn the now Captain the Distinguished Service Cross. Britt then returned to the United States for medical treatment. 

He was honorably discharged from the US Army on December 27, 1944.

Maurice Britt returned to Arkansas and became a successful businessman. 

He was elected 11th Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas serving two terms and served 14 years as the Arkansas District Director of the Small Business Administration.

Captain Maurice Britt passed away on November 26, 1995 at the age of 76 years old. A recipient of The Medal of Honor, The Silver Star, The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart Medal with four OLC, Presidential Unit Citation, British Military Cross and the Italian Military Medal for Valor Maurice lies in rest at Little Rock National Cemetery. 

don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.