Paul B. Huff


Paul Bert Huff was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

Military career

Huff joined the United States Army from his birth city of Cleveland, Tennessee, in June 1941, and by February 8, 1944 was serving as a corporal in the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion. On that day, near Carano, Italy, Huff led a reconnaissance patrol while under heavy fire from German forces. For his actions during the patrol, Huff received the Medal of Honor three months later, on May 26.

Medal of Honor citation

Corporal Huff's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
Before leaving the army, Huff reached the highest enlisted rank, command sergeant major, a position which carried the responsibilities of being the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and a monitor for, and advocate of, the enlisted men in the command.

Death and legacy

Paul Huff died at age 76 and was buried in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens in his hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee. He was survived by his wife, Betty Cunnyngham Huff.
Paul Huff Parkway, a major thoroughfare in Cleveland, Tennessee, is named in his honor, as is the Paul B. Huff Army Reserve Center, located in Nashville.