MEDAL OF HONOR RETURNS TO CROSSVILLE AFTER 100 YEARS

 

The Military Memorial Museum of Upper Cumberland is honored to announce Sergeant Milo Lemert’s United States Congressional Medal of Honor will be on display at the museum September 26-27, 2025.

 

On October 19, 1919, Sgt. Lemert’s Medal of Honor was presented to his widow Nellie Snodgrass Lemert on the Crossville Courthouse steps by Col. Dearmon, Chief of Staff commanding the southeastern department, United States Army.  The Medal of Honor was awarded for Sgt. Lemert’s heroic bravery on September 29, 1918 near Bellicourt, France.

 

Sergeant Lemert was assigned to the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), 30th Infantry Division, United States, Army.  ​

The Citation 

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Seeing that the left flank of his company was held up, he located the enemy machine-gun emplacement, which had been causing heavy casualties. In the face of heavy fire, he rushed it singlehandedly, killing the entire crew with grenades. Continuing along the enemy trench in advance of the company, he reached another emplacement, which he also charged, silencing the gun with grenades. A third machine-gun emplacement opened up on him from the left and with similar skill and bravery he destroyed this also. Later, in company with another sergeant, he attacked a fourth machine-gun nest, being killed as he reached the parapet of the emplacement. His courageous action in destroying in turn four enemy machine-gun nests prevented many casualties among his company and very materially aided in achieving the objective.

 

Mrs. Lemert graciously donated Milo’s Medal of Honor to the Tennessee State Museum.  The State Museum has worked with the Military Memorial Museum to bring the Medal of Honor back to Crossville for two days in remembrance of Sergeant Lemert’s sacrifice for his county on September 29, 1918.

 

The Miliary Memorial Museum will have specific (special) hours on September 26-27

Doors will be open September 26,  from 1pm-6pm

Doors will be open September 27, from 9am-3pm

 

The Military Memorial Museum of Upper Cumberland wish to express their gratitude to One Bank of Tennessee for sponsoring the return of the Medal of Honor.

 

Want to learn more about Sergeant Lemert’s heroic actions visit the museum at

20 South Main Street, Crossville, TN 38555