Paul L. Bolden

Paul Luther Bolden (June 15, 1922 – May 21, 1979) 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.

Biography Bolden joined the Army from Madison, Alabama in October 1942, While his comrade provided covering fire from across the street, Bolden tossed grenades through a window, rushed to the door, and began firing. Wounded by the greatly superior number of German soldiers inside, he retreated from the house. Realizing that the Germans would not surrender, he returned to the house despite his serious wounds and killed the remaining soldiers. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor eight months later, on August 23, 1945.

Snoad, who was killed in the fighting, was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his valor in combat.

Bolden reached the rank of Master Sergeant before leaving the Army. He died at age 56 and was buried in Moon Cemetery, Owens Cross Roads, Alabama.

An 18-mile stretch of Alabama State Route 53, from Research Park Boulevard in Huntsville to just south of Ardmore, is designated as the "Paul Luther Bolden Memorial Highway" in his honor.