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Former Syracuse player to receive Medal of Honor

Sergeant William Shemin (via Army.Mil)
Sergeant William Shemin (via Army.Mil)

When William Shemin arrived on Syracuse’s campus to play football and lacrosse in 1919, he had already accomplished a great deal more than the average college student. Almost 100 years later, he’ll receive the highest military honor.

The White House announced last week that Shemin will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during World War I.

From the White House’s press release:

Sergeant William Shemin will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions while serving as a member of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces.  Sergeant Shemin distinguished himself during combat operations in the vicinity of the Vesle River, Bazoches, France, on August 7-9, 1918.

Sergeant Shemin entered the Army on October 2, 1917. He was assigned as a rifleman to Company G, 47th Infantry Regiment, which moved from Syracuse, New York to Camp Greene, North Carolina, joining the 4th Infantry Division. The Division arrived in France in May, 1918.

While serving as a rifleman from August 7-9, 1918, Sergeant Shemin left the cover of his platoon’s trench and crossed open space, repeatedly exposing himself to heavy machine gun and rifle fire to rescue the wounded. After officers and senior non-commissioned officers had become casualties, Shemin took command of the platoon and displayed great initiative under fire, until he was wounded, August 9.

Shemin, who was hospitalized for three months with various injuries, also received the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery.

Shemin, who was just 19 years old during his heroic display, was honorably discharged from the Army in August 1919. He later enrolled in Syracuse and earned a degree from the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University. Following graduation, Shemin relocated to the Bronx, N.Y., and started a landscaping business.

He passed away in 1973.

Shemin’s daughter, Elsie Shemin-Roth, will accept the Medal of Honor on her father’s behalf at the White House on June 2, per Syracuse.com.

For more Syracuse news, visit CuseConfidential.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!