ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Nutty Productions The Most Badass WWII Soldier You've Never Heard Of: Francis Sherman Currey
In the freezing winter of 1944, during World War II, German forces were making a final attempt to take over Belgium and the Netherlands. It was a tough time for the Allied armies, but just before Christmas, something incredible happened. A young 19-year-old soldier named Francis Sherman Currey stood up against the odds. This brave young man from New York showed courage that could rival any superhero.
The Battle of the Bulge was a crucial conflict in World War II. It took place in the Ardennes region and played a key role in defeating the Nazis. The battle began on December 17, 1944, when a German commander named Jochen Peiper attacked a convoy of American soldiers, leading to a tragic loss of 81 American lives. This event was one of the worst war crimes against U.S. troops in Europe.
As the battle raged on, American soldiers were determined to hold their ground. A week later, the New York Times reported on the incredible bravery of Francis Sherman Currey, a 19-year-old private who fought against the German forces near Malmédy.
Currey had joined the U.S. Army at 17 after being orphaned at 12. By September 1944, he was part of the experienced 30th Infantry Division. On December 21, 1944, while on guard duty at a bridge in Malmédy, German artillery began attacking their base. Currey quickly realized this was a cover for a German infantry assault.
Spotting a German tank commander, Currey took action and fired at the tank. He then used a bazooka to hit the tank, forcing it to retreat. But he didn’t stop there. Currey bravely disabled three more German tanks with grenades, all while under heavy enemy fire.
Currey’s courage didn’t end with the tanks. He crawled to help wounded soldiers from a machine gun crew, providing cover fire so they could escape safely. His actions significantly slowed down the German advance and caused many enemy casualties.
After the Battle of the Bulge, Currey became a squad leader and received the Silver Star for his bravery. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor on July 27, 1945. Despite these honors, Currey remained humble, recalling that General Eisenhower believed his actions helped shorten the war.
Currey’s military awards included the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. After the war, he worked as a counselor at a Veteran Affairs Medical Center and later ran a landscaping business.
Francis Sherman Currey passed away on October 8, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and heroism. His story is a powerful reminder of the courage shown by those who fought in World War II.
If you enjoyed learning about this unsung hero and want to hear more stories like this, let us know in the comments. Thank you for exploring this piece of history with us!
Research the key events of the Battle of the Bulge and create a timeline. Include major battles, strategic movements, and the role of Francis Currey. Use visuals like images or drawings to make your timeline engaging.
Imagine you are Francis Currey during the Battle of the Bulge. Write a diary entry describing your thoughts and feelings as you face the German forces. Reflect on the challenges and your motivations for your heroic actions.
Create a presentation about the Medal of Honor, focusing on its history and significance. Highlight Francis Currey’s achievements and explain why he was awarded this prestigious honor. Use multimedia elements to enhance your presentation.
Study a map of Europe during World War II, focusing on the Ardennes region. Identify key locations related to the Battle of the Bulge and Francis Currey’s actions. Discuss how geography influenced the battle’s outcome.
Prepare a set of questions and conduct a mock interview with a WWII historian. Focus on Francis Currey’s contributions and the impact of individual bravery in the war. Record or perform the interview for your class.
In the dark, cold, near-frozen winters of Western Europe in 1944, the year could have ended on a grim note as German forces made their last push to conquer Belgium and the Netherlands, attempting to drive Allied armies from the European mainland. However, just before Christmas, a remarkable event occurred when a young 19-year-old soldier decided to stand up and say no. This young man was Francis Sherman Curry, a slim boy from New York who could have inspired a superhero if the comic character didn’t predate him.
Welcome to Nutty History, where we explore the untold story of Francis Sherman Curry from World War II that history books often overlook.
The Battle of the Bulge holds a significant place in the chronicles of the Second World War. This month-long conflict in the Ardennes region was a decisive factor in ending the Nazi regime. The battle began when 29-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Jochen Piper, commander of a regiment in the first SS Panzer Division, spotted a truck convoy of the 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion on December 17, 1944. He ordered his tanks to open fire, leading to a devastating ambush that resulted in the execution of 81 American soldiers, marking one of the worst war crimes against U.S. troops during the war in Europe.
As the situation grew dire, U.S. troops became more determined to hold the line against the Germans. A week later, the New York Times reported on a remarkable feat by a 19-year-old private named Francis Sherman Curry, who repulsed an onslaught by the first SS Panzer Division near Malmédy.
Orphaned at the age of 12, Curry enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 and was assigned to the battle-hardened 30th Infantry Division in September 1944. On December 21, 1944, while performing guard duties at a bridge crossing in Malmédy, German artillery began firing at their base. Curry and his fellow soldiers took cover, but he quickly realized the artillery barrage was a cover for an enemy infantry assault.
When he spotted a German tank commander exposed in the turret, Curry took action, firing at the tank. After retreating to a nearby barn, he loaded a bazooka and successfully struck the tank, forcing it to retreat. This was just the beginning; Curry then took on three more German tanks, using grenades to disable them one by one, all while under heavy fire.
Curry’s bravery didn’t stop there. He also crawled to aid wounded soldiers from a machine gun crew, providing cover fire until they could escape. His actions significantly hindered the German advance and resulted in many enemy casualties.
After the Battle of the Bulge, Curry became a squad leader and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. He was later recommended for the Medal of Honor, which he received on July 27, 1945. Despite his accolades, Curry remained humble, recalling that General Eisenhower believed his actions had shortened the war.
Curry’s military honors included the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. After the war, he worked as a counselor at a Veteran Affairs Medical Center and later ran a landscaping business.
Francis Sherman Curry passed away on October 8, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and heroism. His story is a testament to the courage of those who fought in World War II.
If you enjoyed this story and want to hear more about unsung heroes, let us know in the comments. Thank you for watching Nutty History! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.
World War II – A global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world’s nations, including the major powers, which eventually formed two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. – World War II significantly altered the political and social landscape of the 20th century.
Battle of the Bulge – A major German offensive campaign launched through the densely forested Ardennes region of Wallonia in Belgium, France, and Luxembourg during the last months of World War II. – The Battle of the Bulge was a pivotal moment in World War II, marking the last major German offensive on the Western Front.
German Forces – The military units and personnel of Germany, particularly during the World Wars, known for their strategic operations and tactics. – The German forces were initially successful in their surprise attack during the Battle of the Bulge.
American Soldiers – Members of the United States Army who served in various conflicts, including World War II, known for their contributions to the Allied victory. – American soldiers played a crucial role in liberating Europe from Nazi occupation during World War II.
Bravery – The quality of being courageous and willing to face danger, fear, or difficulty, often demonstrated by soldiers in battle. – The bravery of the soldiers during the Battle of the Bulge was commemorated in numerous military awards.
Legacy – Something handed down by a predecessor, often referring to the lasting impact of historical events or figures. – The legacy of World War II continues to influence international relations and global politics today.
Courage – The ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation, often celebrated in historical narratives. – The courage displayed by the Allied forces during World War II is remembered as a testament to their determination and resilience.
Military Awards – Honors given to soldiers and military personnel in recognition of their service, bravery, and achievements in combat. – Many soldiers received military awards for their valor and heroism during World War II.
Heroism – Great bravery and selflessness, often in the face of danger, celebrated in historical accounts of war and conflict. – The heroism of the soldiers who fought in World War II is commemorated in history books and memorials around the world.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, encompassing the analysis and interpretation of records and artifacts. – Understanding history helps us learn from past mistakes and shape a better future.
