134th Infantry Regiment Website "All Hell Can't Stop Us"

1st Lt William T Humphreys

137th Infantry Regiment - Companies I and K

William Thomas Humphreys, son of George Nathaniel and Sydney (Sherer) Humphreys, was born in Oakland, California on December 16, 1912. An Alemeda County deputy sheriff in civilian life, he and his wife Frances had 2 children, Mary and Gary. He registered for the draft on October 16, 1940. His draft registration lists him as 6' 2" tall, weighing 198 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. 1st Lt William T Humphreys was Killed in Action July 15, 1944 near St Lo, France and is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

Silver Star Medal (Posthumous) Citation

First Lieutenant William T Humphreys, O1302467, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the vicinity of St Lo, Normandy, France, on 14 and 15 July 1944. Lieutenant Humphreys assumed command of Company I, 137th Infantry, on 14 July when his commanding officer became a casualty. He displayed outstanding leadership in directing the fire and movement of his troops, led them forward in the face of stubborn enemy resistance, then organized defensive positions. On the following morning he let his unit in an attack on enemy machine gun emplacements that were delivering harassing fire upon his troops, and personally threw hand grenades to knock out the ememy positions. As he was reorganizing his company in preparation for a continuation of the attack, he was killed by enemy artillery fire. Lieutenant Humphreys' gallant actions reflect the highest credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men. Entered military service from California.

General Orders No. 51, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 8 November 1944