Henry Gilbert Costin
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| Henry Gilbert Costin | |
|---|---|
| June 15, 1898 – October 8, 1918 (aged -71) | |
| Place of birth |  Baltimore, Maryland |
| Place of death |  France |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army Air Corps |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Company H, 115th Infantry, 29th Division. |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Henry Gilbert Costin was a private in the United States Army who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War I near Bois-de-Consenvoye, France during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.[1] Private Costin was born in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from the Baltimore City College high school in 1914.[1]
Contents |
[edit] The Mission
Costin's platoon of Company H, 115th Infantry was held up by enemy machinegun fire. Costin was the first to volunteer to charge the machinegun nest as part of an automatic rifle team. The fire team advanced against heavy artillery, machinegun, and mortar fire. Costin continued the attack by himself after all his comrades had become casualties and he himself had been seriously wounded, firing until he collapsed. His act resulted in the capture of about 100 prisoners and several machineguns. He succumbed from the effects of his wounds shortly after the accomplishment of his heroic deed.
Private Costin's body was repatriated to the United States and he is buried in his hometown of Baltimore at the Louden Park National Cemetery.[2]
[edit] Namesake
The Liberty Ship SS Henry Gilbert Costin, built at the Bethlehem Shipyard in Baltimore in 1943, was named for Private Costin and used for troop transport during World War II.[3]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ Leonhart, James Chancellor (1939). One Hundred Years Of Baltimore City College. Baltimore: H.G. Roebuck & Son.
