2018 Honorees of the U.S. Army Chemical Corps

摘要

The U.S. Army Chemical Corps Hall of Fame award is the highest form of recognition offered by the Regiment. This coveted award honors those who have made landmark contributions to the overall history and traditions of the Chemical Corps. These individuals have distinguished themselves through advances in science and technology, a lifetime of service and devotion to the Corps, or gallantry in battle. Four individuals-Sergeant Raymond E. Nicoli, Technician 5th Grade Felice J. Savino, Private Donald F. McLaren, and Private Benton Lee Porter-were inducted into the Hall of Fame on 28 June 2018. On D-Day, 6 June 1944, the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion (Motorized) was among the first of the waves to land on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, spearheading the liberation of Europe from Nazi control. The primary mission of the 81st was to use 4.2-inch chemical mortars to provide fire support to the attacking infantry. The 4.2-inch chemical mortar and the cart on which it was transported weighed nearly 500 pounds, with each high-explosive shell weighing an additional 26 pounds. The 81st was tasked to provide fire support for the 29th Infantry Division until that division's artillery arrived the following day. Four members of Company D, 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, were recognized for exceptional heroism for their actions that day when their landing craft was hit by enemy fire and sank just short of the beach. All four were wounded, but ignored their wounds and made repeated trips to the submerged landing craft, attaching inflatable life belts to the mortar and ammunition carts in order to safely float them ashore and put them into action.