At daybreak on January 31, the German forces launched an intense assault on the company's position and Olson was severely wounded. Knowing that his machine gun was Company B's only effective defense, he refused evacuation and continued to fire on the attacking soldiers for an hour and a half until succumbing to his wounds. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor a year later, on January 24, 1945.
At daybreak on January 31, German forces launched a strong assault on the company's position, causing Olson severe harm. Acknowledging that his machine gun was Company B's sole effective defense, he refused to leave and continued to exchange fire with the advancing soldiers for an hour and a half before succumbing to his wounds. This heroic act led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945.