Honoree: Arma “Ham” Andon

Born: 1/4/1919 in New York City

Military Service:    Enlisted Man; OCS Ft. Benning, Georgia

•  European Theatre WW II with 26th Infantry Division
• 328th Infantry Bronze Star with Cluster, 2 Purple Hearts with Cluster
• Presidential Unit Citiation. Awarded Austrian Medal of Honor in 2005 & French Legion of Honor Medal in 2006
• Retired Major US Army Reserve.

After an adventurous and interesting period of basic training, Officer Candidate School, and Combat Infantry Training stateside, in August 1944, Ham and the rest of the 26th Infantry division landed on Utah Beach in Normandy.  Ham was now a Captain, and company Commander in the 328th Infantry Combat Team.  General George S. Patton addressed the assembled troops, delivering an inspiring pep talk.  

Then Ham’s unit was sent to the front; they got there in October and immediately came under fire.  This was in the attack at Moncourt Woods after crossing the Seille River in France.  Ham said “This was a no-holds-barred battle.  The tanks that were going to support us were stuck in the mud and we lost their covering fire.”  Ham lost two of his Officers.  A surviving Lieutenant had taken over a machine gun after his men had all been either killed or wounded.  Ham took over for him after he was hit by mortal and direct fire; the Lieutenant died in his arms, as Ham fired at the retreating enemy.  This had a profound effect on Ham.

Following the major battle at Moncourt Woods, the day around dusk, just as Ham was placing units of “H” company for the night, he heard a modulated voice (and so did everyone) from a loudspeaker in enemy territory. It said, “we are coming to get Captain Arma E. Andon.” 

Ham fought thorough the next weeks through places such as Saarlautern, Arracourt, Wolfling in Alsace-Lorraine, Monshuman Crossroads, Wiltz, Eschdorf, and Metz, which brings us to the battle of the Bulge.

In January 1945, his General contacted Ham and stated, “Andon you are going on a three-day leave to Paris whether you like it or not.”  He stated that he had been in continual combat more than any other officer and needed a break.

It was in Serrig, Germany in March, 1945, that Ham found himself in a foxhole and under heavy enemy bombardment.  He was hit and hit bad.  He was hit in the gut and his left leg and knee were shattered.  He said his insides just fell out, but he continued to lead his men, called for artillery and fought on until the enemy withdrew.   He was loaded on to a stretcher and eventually evacuated back to Paris.

After a lengthy rehabilitation, Ham was discharged and reentered civilian life.  As you can see from his lengthy and accomplished biography he has done so much with his life.  But most important was his dedication to his family.  Ham is a role model for all to follow.