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Yesterday, 82 years ago, 13 October 1943, Arlo L. Olson, aged 25, led his men in the initial assault across the Volturno River, Italy, as captain of Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.Olson spearheaded the advance of his regiment through 30 miles of mountainous enemy territory over 13 days, placing himself in front as he waded chest-deep into the raging river under direct machine gun fire.He reached the far bank and threw two hand grenades into a machine gun nest, killing the crew and securing the position for his men to cross.When another German machine gun 150 yards away opened fire, Olson advanced in a slow walk, undeterred by five enemy grenades thrown at him from close range.He killed all five German defenders, picked up a machine pistol, and continued toward the position, exchanging fire at 15 yards, killing nine more and seizing the post.During the campaign, Olson repeatedly led combat patrols, served as his company’s point scout, and maintained direct contact with the enemy each day.On 27 October, Olson led an attack on a fortified strongpoint by crawling within 25 yards and then charging under constant machine gun fire, killing the crew of the gun with his pistol.His desperate attack inspired his men, who followed him and overran the enemy position.Olson led his company onward to the summit of Monte San Nicola, waving his men into a skirmish line and personally leading the assault under furious machine gun and small arms fire that focused on him alone.He drove the defenders from the hill, securing the objective.While making a reconnaissance for defensive positions, Olson was fatally wounded by enemy fire but completed his mission, supervised his men’s position, and refused medical care until all his soldiers had been attended.He died as he was being carried down the mountain, never having met his daughter born that December.On 16 September 1944, General Louis E. Hibbs presented the Medal of Honor posthumously to Olson’s widow, Myra, at Camp Ban Dom, Mississippi.Olson was buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.A transport ship and American Legion post were later named in his honor. #MedalofHonor #fblifestyle