Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>

A Picture from History: William B. Turner

We take a look at Congressional Medal of Honor recipient William B. Turner and his heroism in the trenches during World War I.

Although the United States entered WWI in April 1917, American ground forces in Europe didn’t enter major combat operations until the summer of 1918. 

WWI-Soldiers-1000x539
Soldiers during WWI.

By the end of the war on November 11, 1918, American troops fought for less than six months. 

In that short time, American servicemen distinguished themselves on the battlefield with a determination that directly contributed to victory.

One such soldier was Lt. William B. Turner.

William B. Turner
William B. Turner

Humble Beginnings

William Bradford Turner was born in Boston on February 28, 1892. After graduating college in 1914, “Brad” and his fraternity brothers planned to tour Europe, only to have their plans cut short in Paris by the outbreak of war. 

At that point, Turner had no idea he would return to France in just four years under very different circumstances.

Back home, Turner joined the New York National Guard and was sent to the Mexican border in 1916.

New York National Guardsmen at the Mexico-Texas Border
New York National Guardsmen at the Mexico-Texas Border

Upon returning, Turner was offered a commission in the U.S. Army, jumping from a part-time private to full-time lieutenant.

After a year of training and preparation for overseas service, 2Lt. Turner arrived in Brest, France in June of 1918 with the 105th Infantry Regiment. 

105th Infantry Regiment

The men of the 105th saw little action during their first few months, but that changed with the beginning of the Second Somme Offensive on September 24, 1918.

Gun Carrier Mark I Tank at Miraumont during the Second Somme Offensive
Gun Carrier Mark I Tank at Miraumont during the Second Somme Offensive

On September 27, Turner’s M Company went over the top as part of a large offensive maneuver to break the Hindenburg Line. Although other units were cut down by machine guns and artillery or forced to dig in, Turner continued. 

The advance began to fall apart and Turner, wounded by shrapnel from the artillery raining down upon him, became isolated with a platoon of 30 men.

As they navigated through barbed wire, a machine gun emplacement opened up on them. Turner dashed forward and killed the two gunners with his pistol.

Another machine gun began firing. Turner again personally silenced it.

William B. Turner
William B. Turner

In the Trenches

When the platoon caught up to their lieutenant, they entered the German trench. Turner fired his pistol with his left hand while engaging in hand-to-hand combat with his right. 

With the first trench cleared, the men moved on to the next, making quick work of the defenders. As they continued to the third trench, the Germans retreated, handing it over without a fight. 

Turner pressed onwards, not realizing his platoon was well beyond the rest of the advance. By the fourth trench, only eight of his men were with him. Still, under heavy fire, Lt. Turner ordered his men to fall back. 

William Bradford Turner Grave
William Bradford Turner Grave

As he looked over the edge of the trench, he was struck in the head by German fire. It took two days for the rest of the division to advance as far as Turner’s platoon.

The war ended less than two weeks later. 

On May 24, 1919, 2Lt. William B. Turner was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for unrelenting assault against impossible odds. He is buried at the Somme American Cemetery in France.

This is a new style of article for Pew Pew Tactical, if you liked it — let us know in the comments! If you didn’t enjoy it…well phooey. To catch up on previous Pictures from History, click on over to our History Category.

The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

5 Leave a Reply

  • Commenter Avatar
    Norman Copeland

    Awesome!! We must never forget!!

    June 5, 2022 6:48 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Diehardjr8

    More of this history articles please.

    June 5, 2022 6:11 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jonathan Winne

    Excellent job Matt.Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it……Thank you.

    June 5, 2022 4:16 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Cruiser51

    I enjoy reading this type of article. Please continue with them.

    June 4, 2022 12:43 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Mark

    Valor. After this, I’m at a loss for words.

    June 4, 2022 7:51 am
Join the community! Log in
Please provide a valid email address.
Password is required.
or
Register
Please provide a valid display name.
Please provide a valid email address.
The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
Please accept in order to continue.
or
Trouble logging in?
Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
Please provide a valid email.
Password
Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
Field is required.
Account already exists
We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
Field is required.
Account already exists
We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

Account in Pew Pew Meter means more

Check what do you get by creating an account
Check and save your reviews!
Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms
Manage your newsletter subscription
pew pew tactical logo

new here?

Personalize your experience.
Select what level shooter you are!

pew pew tactical logo

level up your gun knowledge

Thanks! We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared towards your level.

pew pew tactical logo

welcome!

You'll now receive newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns & gear.

$47 value

yours free!

targets targets
free

practice targets

printer icon printable

our 9 favorite targets and drills

free

practice targets

printer icon printable

enter your email to download

We'll only use the information provided according to our privacy policy.

success icon

Ready to Download

Click below to begin your download

download pdf