740TH FIELD ARTILLERY BN PRO AMORE PATRIAE (FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY)

Cokonougher, Wayne: 3rd Army, 740th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery A

Wayne Cokonougher, Artillery truck driver for the 740th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery A, (photo top left) was awarded the The Bronze Star for evacuating heavy equipment and artillery pieces from the front line during German attack on St. Vith, Belgium (Battle of the Bulge). According to military records, "T/5 Cokonougher distinguished himself by meritorious achievement on 17-18 December, 1944 in Belgium. According to the actual citation "Cokonougher, serving as a tractor driver, distinguished himself during the evacuation of vehicles, howitzers, and ammunition, from positions threatened by enemy action. Despite enemy artillery time fire over {his} battery’s position near St. Vith and small arms fire into the area near Poteus, T/5 Cokonougher did not at any time seek cover or cease his efforts to evacuate threatened material. Under adverse conditions of weather and in muddy terrain presenting extremely difficult traction, T/5 Cokonougher’s resourcefulness and untiring efforts were directly responsible for the evacuation of considerable amounts of ammunition and material. The determination and devotion to duty without regard for his own safety displayed by T/5 Cokonougher served as an inspiration to all members of his unit and reflects credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.