LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) -First lieutenant Garlin Murl Conner is described by some historians as one of the bravest World War II servicemen, and soon he will be posthumously awarded the nation’s highest honor.
In December, President Trump signed the formal documents that will award Lt. Conner the Medal of Honor, awarded to service members for acts of valor. The Clinton County native passed away in 1998, after serving in the war in 1943 to 1945.
His widow, Pauline, received a call a few weeks ago, not knowing it was about her late husband.
"I kept getting calls through February…I got to thinking it could be a scam," she said. " (The caller) says ‘I’m calling from the President of the United States.’ I said you got to be kidding!"
Lt. Conner served for 28 months, and was injured seven times during battle. After being sent to the hospital in January 1945, he snuck out and returned to battle in Colmar, France and sent vital information to Allied forces to combat the German Army.
He is credited for saving countless American soldiers.
"He never talked about it," said friend Walton Haddix, who helped with a 20-year effort to get Lt. Conner the Medal of Honor. "It was a great injustice… I interviewed 25 people who served in the 3rd Division. I interviewed people, videotaped them that served under Garlin Conner and told us what he did."
Meanwhile, Pauline will now plan a trip to Washington in the coming weeks to receive the medal on her husband’s behalf.
"He was afraid he was bragging… and he felt what he had to do during World War II."
