Invasion of Roi & Namur Islands, Kwajalein Atoll,
Marshall Islands, Central Pacific
1
February 1944 - *ANDERSON, RICHARD BEATTY, Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving with the 4th Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on
Roi Island,
Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Entering a shell
crater occupied by three other marines, Pfc. Anderson was preparing
to throw a grenade at an enemy position when it slipped from his
hands and rolled toward the men at the bottom of the hole. With
insufficient time to retrieve the armed weapon and throw it, Pfc.
Anderson fearlessly chose to sacrifice himself and save his
companions by hurling his body upon the grenade and taking the full
impact of the explosion. His personal valor and exceptional spirit
of loyalty in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with
the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.
1
February 1944 - *POWER, JOHN VINCENT, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine
Corps
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as platoon leader, attached to the 4th
Marine Division, during the landing and battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February
1944. Severely wounded in the stomach while setting a demolition
charge on a Japanese pillbox, 1st Lt. Power was steadfast in his
determination to remain in action. Protecting his wound with his
left hand and firing with his right, he courageously advanced as
another hostile position was taken under attack, fiercely charging
the opening made by the explosion and emptying his carbine into the
pillbox. While attempting to reload and continue the attack, 1st Lt.
Power was shot again in the stomach and head and collapsed in the
doorway. His exceptional valor, fortitude and indomitable fighting
spirit in the face of withering enemy fire were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life for his country.
1-2
February 1944 - SORENSON, RICHARD KEITH, Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving with an assault battalion attached to the
4th Marine Division during the
battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall
Islands, on 1-2 February 1944. Putting up a brave defense against a
particularly violent counterattack by the enemy during invasion
operations, Pvt. Sorenson and five other marines occupying a
shellhole were endangered by a Japanese grenade thrown into their
midst. Unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own
safety, Pvt. Sorenson hurled himself upon the deadly weapon,
heroically taking the full impact of the explosion. As a result of
his gallant action, he was severely wounded, but the lives of his
comrades were saved. His great personal valor and exceptional spirit
of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
1
and 2 February 1944 - *DYESS, AQUILLA JAMES, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as Commanding Officer of the 1st
Battalion, 24th Marines (Rein), 4th Marine Division, in
action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 and 2
February 1944. Undaunted by severe fire from automatic Japanese
weapons, Lt. Col. Dyess launched a powerful final attack on the
second day of the assault, unhesitatingly posting himself between
the opposing lines to point out objectives and avenues of approach
and personally leading the advancing troops. Alert, and determined
to quicken the pace of the offensive against increased enemy fire,
he was constantly at the head of advance units, inspiring his men to
push forward until the Japanese had been driven back to a small
center of resistance and victory assured. While standing on the
parapet of an antitank trench directing a group of infantry in a
flanking attack against the last enemy position, Lt. Col. Dyess was
killed by a burst of enemy machinegun fire. His daring and forceful
leadership and his valiant fighting spirit in the face of terrific
opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Air-Sea Rescue Operations, Bismarck Archipelago, SW
Pacific
15
February 1944 - GORDON, NATHAN GREEN, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
Citation: For extraordinary heroism
above and beyond the call of duty as commander of a
Catalina patrol plane in rescuing personnel of the U.S.
Army 5th Air Force shot down in combat over Kavieng Harbor in the
Bismarck Sea, 15 February 1944. On air alert in the vicinity of Vitu
Islands, Lt. (then Lt. j.g.) Gordon unhesitatingly responded to a
report of the crash and flew boldly into the harbor, defying
close-range fire from enemy shore guns to make three separate
landings in full view of the Japanese and pick up nine men, several
of them injured. With his cumbersome flying boat dangerously
overloaded, he made a brilliant takeoff despite heavy swells and
almost total absence of wind and set a course for base, only to
receive the report of another group stranded in a rubber life raft
600 yards from the enemy shore. Promptly turning back, he again
risked his life to set his plane down under direct fire of the
heaviest defenses of Kavieng and take aboard six more survivors,
coolly making his fourth dexterous takeoff with 15 rescued officers
and men. By his exceptional daring, personal valor, and incomparable
airmanship under most perilous conditions, Lt. Gordon prevented
certain death or capture of our airmen by the Japanese.
Invasion of Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall
Islands, Central Pacific
19/20
February 1944 - *DAMATO, ANTHONY PETER, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving with an assault company in
action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok
Atoll, Marshall Islands, on the night of 19/20 February 1944. Highly
vulnerable to sudden attack by small, fanatical groups of Japanese
still at large despite the efficient and determined efforts of our
forces to clear the area, Cpl. Damato lay with two comrades in a
large foxhole in his company's defense perimeter which had been
dangerously thinned by the forced withdrawal of nearly half of the
available men. When one of the enemy approached the foxhole
undetected and threw in a hand grenade, Cpl. Damato desperately
groped for it in the darkness. Realizing the imminent peril to all
three and fully aware of the consequences of his act, he
unhesitatingly flung himself on the grenade and, although instantly
killed as his body absorbed the explosion, saved the lives of his
two companions. Cpl. Damato's splendid initiative, fearless conduct
and valiant sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.
Battle of the Atlantic
4
June 1944 - *DAVID, ALBERT LEROY, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while attached to the U.S.S. Pillsbury (destroyer escort)
during the capture of an enemy German
submarine off French West Africa, 4 June 1944. Taking a vigorous
part in the skillfully coordinated attack on the German U-505 which
climaxed a prolonged search by the Task Group, Lt. (then Lt. j.g.)
David boldly led a party from the Pillsbury in boarding the hostile
submarine as it circled erratically at 5 or 6 knots on the surface.
Fully aware that the U-boat might momentarily sink or be blown up by
exploding demolition and scuttling charges, he braved the added
danger of enemy gunfire to plunge through the conning tower hatch
and, with his small party, exerted every effort to keep the ship
afloat and to assist the succeeding and more fully equipped salvage
parties in making the U-505 seaworthy for the long tow across the
Atlantic to a U.S. port. By his valiant service during the first
successful boarding and capture of an enemy man-o-war on the high
seas by the U.S. Navy since 1815, Lt. David contributed materially
to the effectiveness of our Battle of the Atlantic and upheld the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
("U-505" is now at
the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry).
Submarine Operations, Celebes Islands, Dutch East
Indies
6
- 9 June 1944 *DEALEY, SAMUEL DAVID, Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S.
Harder during her 5th War Patrol in Japanese-controlled
waters. Floodlighted by a bright moon and disclosed to an enemy
destroyer escort which bore down with intent to attack, Comdr.
Dealey quickly dived to periscope depth and waited for the pursuer
to close range, then opened fire, sending the target and all aboard
down in flames with his third torpedo. Plunging deep to avoid fierce
depth charges, he again surfaced and, within nine minutes after
sighting another destroyer, had sent the enemy down tail first with
a hit directly amidship. Evading detection, he penetrated the
confined waters off Tawi Tawi with the Japanese Fleet base six miles
away and scored death blows on two patrolling destroyers in quick
succession. With his ship heeled over by concussion from the first
exploding target and the second vessel nose-diving in a blinding
detonation, he cleared the area at high speed. Sighted by a large
hostile fleet force on the following day, he swung his bow toward
the lead destroyer for another "down-the-throat" shot, fired three
bow tubes and promptly crash-dived to be terrifically rocked seconds
later by the exploding ship as the Harder passed beneath. This
remarkable record of five vital Japanese destroyers sunk in five
short-range torpedo attacks attests the valiant fighting spirit of
Comdr. Dealey and his indomitable command.
("Harder" had already
sunk Japanese destroyer "Ikazuchi" on the 13th April 1944. In the
attacks on Tawi-Tawi between the 6th and 9th June , destroyers "Minadsuki"
6th, "Hayanami" 7th and "Tanikaze" 9th were sunk and "Urakaze"
damaged . On the 22nd August, it was the turn of Japanese frigates "Hiburi"
and "Matsuwa". Two days later on the 24th August 1944, USS Harder
and her crew were lost.)
Invasion of Saipan, Marianas Islands, Central
Pacific
16
June 1944 - *McCARD, ROBERT HOWARD, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as platoon sergeant of Company A, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, during
the battle for enemy Japanese-held Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 16
June 1944. Cut off from the other units of his platoon when his tank
was put out of action by a battery of enemy 77mm. guns, G/Sgt.
McCard carried on resolutely, bringing all the tank's weapons to
bear on the enemy, until the severity of hostile fire caused him to
order his crew out of the escape hatch while he courageously exposed
himself to enemy guns by hurling hand grenades, in order to cover
the evacuation of his men. Seriously wounded during this action and
with his supply of grenades exhausted, G/Sgt. McCard then dismantled
one of the tank's machineguns and faced the Japanese for the second
time to deliver vigorous fire into their positions, destroying 16 of
the enemy but sacrificing himself to insure the safety of his crew.
His valiant fighting spirit and supreme loyalty in the face of
almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon G/Sgt. McCard
and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
25
June 1944 - *EPPERSON, HAROLD GLENN, Private First Class, U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d
Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on
the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 25 June 1944. With his
machinegun emplacement bearing the full brunt of a fanatic assault
initiated by the Japanese under cover of predawn darkness, Pfc.
Epperson manned his weapon with determined aggressiveness, fighting
furiously in the defense of his battalion's position and maintaining
a steady stream of devastating fire against rapidly infiltrating
hostile troops to aid materially in annihilating several of the
enemy and in breaking the abortive attack. Suddenly a Japanese
soldier, assumed to be dead, sprang up and hurled a powerful hand
grenade into the emplacement. Determined to save his comrades, Pfc.
Epperson unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice himself and, diving upon
the deadly missile, absorbed the shattering violence of the
exploding charge in his own body. Stouthearted and indomitable in
the face of certain death, Pfc. Epperson fearlessly yielded his own
life that his able comrades might carry on the relentless battle
against a ruthless enemy. His superb valor and unfaltering devotion
to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon
the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
7
July 1944 - *AGERHOLM, HAROLD CHRIST, Private First Class, U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving with the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2d
Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on
Saipan, Marianas Islands, 7 July 1944. When the enemy launched a
fierce, determined counterattack against our positions and overran a
neighboring artillery battalion, Pfc. Agerholm immediately
volunteered to assist in the efforts to check the hostile attack and
evacuate our wounded. Locating and appropriating an abandoned
ambulance jeep, he repeatedly made extremely perilous trips under
heavy rifle and mortar fire and single-handedly loaded and evacuated
approximately 45 casualties, working tirelessly and with utter
disregard for his own safety during a grueling period of more than
three hours. Despite intense, persistent enemy fire, he ran out to
aid two men whom he believed to be wounded marines but was himself
mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while carrying out his
hazardous mission. Pfc. Agerholm's brilliant initiative, great
personal valor and self-sacrificing efforts in the face of almost
certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
8
July 1944 - *TIMMERMAN, GRANT FREDERICK, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as tank commander serving with the 2d Battalion, 6th
Marines, 2d Marine Division, during action against enemy
Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 8 July 1944.
Advancing with his tank a few yards ahead of the infantry in support
of a vigorous attack on hostile positions, Sgt. Timmerman maintained
steady fire from his antiaircraft sky mount machinegun until
progress was impeded by a series of enemy trenches and pillboxes.
Observing a target of opportunity, he immediately ordered the tank
stopped and, mindful of the danger from the muzzle blast as he
prepared to open fire with the 75mm., fearlessly stood up in the
exposed turret and ordered the infantry to hit the deck. Quick to
act as a grenade, hurled by the Japanese, was about to drop into the
open turret hatch, Sgt. Timmerman unhesitatingly blocked the opening
with his body holding the grenade against his chest and taking the
brunt of the explosion. His exception valor and loyalty in saving
his men at the cost of his own life reflect the highest credit upon
Sgt. Timmerman and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life in the service of his country.
Battle of the Philippine Sea, Western Pacific
19
June 1944 - McCAMPBELL, DAVID, Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as commander, Air Group 15, during combat
against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the first and second battles
of the Philippine Sea. An inspiring leader, fighting boldly in the
face of terrific odds, Comdr. McCampbell led his fighter planes
against a force of 80 Japanese carrier-based aircraft bearing down
on our fleet on 19 June 1944. Striking fiercely in valiant defense
of our surface force, he personally destroyed seven hostile planes
during this single engagement in which the outnumbering attack force
was utterly routed and virtually annihilated. During a major fleet
engagement with the enemy on 24 October, Comdr. McCampbell, assisted
by but one plane, intercepted and daringly attacked a formation of
60 hostile land-based craft approaching our forces. Fighting
desperately but with superb skill against such overwhelming
airpower, he shot down nine Japanese planes and, completely
disorganizing the enemy group, forced the remainder to abandon the
attack before a single aircraft could reach the fleet. His great
personal valor and indomitable spirit of aggression under extremely
perilous combat conditions reflect the highest credit upon Comdr.
McCampbell and the U.S. Naval Service.
Invasion of Guam, Marianas Islands, Central Pacific
21-22
July 1944 - SKAGGS, LUTHER, JR., Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as squad leader with a mortar section of a
rifle company
in the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division,
during action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup
beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, 21 -22 July 1944. When the
section leader became a casualty under a heavy mortar barrage
shortly after landing, Pfc. Skaggs promptly assumed command and led
the section through intense fire for a distance of 200 yards to a
position from which to deliver effective coverage of the assault on
a strategic cliff. Valiantly defending this vital position against
strong enemy counterattacks during the night, Pfc. Skaggs was
critically wounded when a Japanese grenade lodged in his foxhole and
exploded, shattering the lower part of one leg. Quick to act, he
applied an improvised tourniquet and, while propped up in his
foxhole, gallantly returned the enemy's fire with his rifle and
handgrenades for a period of eight hours, later crawling unassisted
to the rear to continue the fight until the Japanese had been
annihilated. Uncomplaining and calm throughout this critical period,
Pfc. Skaggs served as a heroic example of courage and fortitude to
other wounded men and, by his courageous leadership and inspiring
devotion to duty, upheld the high traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
22
July 1944 - *MASON, LEONARD FOSTER, Private First Class, U.S. Marine
Corps
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as an automatic rifleman serving with the
2d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division,
in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup
Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands on 22 July 1944. Suddenly taken
under fire by two enemy machineguns not more than 15 yards away
while clearing out hostile positions holding up the advance of his
platoon through a narrow gully, Pfc. Mason, alone and entirely on
his own initiative, climbed out of the gully and moved parallel to
it toward the rear of the enemy position. Although fired upon
immediately by hostile riflemen from a higher position and wounded
repeatedly in the arm and shoulder, Pfc. Mason grimly pressed
forward and had just reached his objective when hit again by a burst
of enemy machinegun fire, causing a critical wound to which he later
succumbed. With valiant disregard for his own peril, he persevered,
clearing out the hostile position, killing five Japanese, wounding
another and then rejoining his platoon to report the results of his
action before consenting to be evacuated. His exceptionally heroic
act in the face of almost certain death enabled his platoon to
accomplish its mission and reflects the highest credit upon Pfc.
Mason and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
25-26
July 1944 - WILSON, LOUIS HUGH, JR., Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as commanding officer of a rifle
company
attached to the 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Fonte
Hill, Guam, 25-26 July 1944. Ordered to take that portion of the
hill within his zone of action, Capt. Wilson initiated his attack in
mid-afternoon, pushed up the rugged, open terrain against terrific
machinegun and rifle fire for 300 yards and successfully captured
the objective. Promptly assuming command of other disorganized units
and motorized equipment in addition to his own company and one
reinforcing platoon, he organized his night defenses in the face of
continuous hostile fire and, although wounded three times during
this five-hour period, completed his disposition of men and guns
before retiring to the company command post for medical attention.
Shortly thereafter, when the enemy launched the first of a series of
savage counterattacks lasting all night, he voluntarily rejoined his
besieged units and repeatedly exposed himself to the merciless hail
of shrapnel and bullets, dashing 50 yards into the open on one
occasion to rescue a wounded marine Iying helpless beyond the
frontlines. Fighting fiercely in hand-to-hand encounters, he led his
men in furiously waged battle for approximately 10 hours,
tenaciously holding his line and repelling the fanatically renewed
counterthrusts until he succeeded in crushing the last efforts of
the hard-pressed Japanese early the following morning. Then
organizing a 17-man patrol, he immediately advanced upon a strategic
slope essential to the security of his position and, boldly defying
intense mortar, machinegun, and rifle fire which struck down 13 of
his men, drove relentlessly forward with the remnants of his patrol
to seize the vital ground. By his indomitable leadership, daring
combat tactics, and valor in the face of overwhelming odds, Capt.
Wilson succeeded in capturing and holding the strategic high ground
in his regimental sector, thereby contributing essentially to the
success of his regimental mission and to the annihilation of 350
Japanese troops. His inspiring conduct throughout the critical
periods of this decisive action sustains and enhances the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
3 August 1944 - *WITEK, FRANK PETER, Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st
Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, during the
Battle of Finegayen at Guam, Marianas, on 3 August 1944. When his
rifle platoon was halted by heavy surprise fire from
well-camouflaged enemy positions, Pfc. Witek daringly remained
standing to fire a full magazine from his automatic at point-blank
range into a depression housing Japanese troops, killing eight of
the enemy and enabling the greater part of his platoon to take
cover. During his platoon's withdrawal for consolidation of lines,
he remained to safeguard a severely wounded comrade, courageously
returning the enemy's fire until the arrival of stretcher bearers,
and then covering the evacuation by sustained fire as he moved
backward toward his own lines. With his platoon again pinned down by
a hostile machinegun, Pfc. Witek, on his own initiative, moved
forward boldly to the reinforcing tanks and infantry, alternately
throwing handgrenades and firing as he advanced to within 5 to 10
yards of the enemy position, and destroying the hostile machinegun
emplacement and an additional eight Japanese before he himself was
struck down by an enemy rifleman. His valiant and inspiring action
effectively reduced the enemy's firepower, thereby enabling his
platoon to attain its objective, and reflects the highest credit
upon Pfc. Witek and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life for his country.
Invasion of Tinian, Marianas Islands, Central
Pacific
30
July 1944 - *OZBOURN, JOSEPH WILLIAM, Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as a Browning Automatic Rifleman serving with
the 1st Battalion, 23d Marines, 4th Marine Division,
during the battle for enemy Japanese-held Tinian Island, Marianas
Islands, 30 July 1944. As a member of a platoon assigned the mission
of clearing the remaining Japanese troops from dugouts and pillboxes
along a tree line, Pvt. Ozbourn, flanked by two men on either side,
was moving forward to throw an armed handgrenade into a dugout when
a terrific blast from the entrance severely wounded the four men and
himself. Unable to throw the grenade into the dugout and with no
place to hurl it without endangering the other men, Pvt. Ozbourn
unhesitatingly grasped it close to his body and fell upon it,
sacrificing his own life to absorb the full impact of the explosion,
but saving his comrades. His great personal valor and unwavering
loyalty reflect the highest credit upon Pvt. Ozbourn and the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
4 August 1944 - *WILSON, ROBERT LEE, Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 6th
Marines, 2d Marine Division, during action against enemy
Japanese forces at Tinian Island, Marianas Group, on 4 August 1944.
As one of a group of marines advancing through heavy underbrush to
neutralize isolated points of resistance, Pfc. Wilson daringly
preceded his companions toward a pile of rocks where Japanese troops
were supposed to be hiding. Fully aware of the danger involved, he
was moving forward while the remainder of the squad, armed with
automatic rifles, closed together in the rear when an enemy grenade
landed in the midst of the group. Quick to act, Pfc. Wilson cried a
warning to the men and unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade,
heroically sacrificing his own life that the others might live and
fulfill their mission. His exceptional valor, his courageous loyalty
and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect
the highest credit upon Pfc. Wilson and the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
Submarine Operations, Pacific
31
July 1944 - RAMAGE, LAWSON PATERSON, Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S.
Parche
in a predawn attack on a Japanese convoy, 31 July 1944. Boldly
penetrating the screen of a heavily escorted convoy, Comdr. Ramage
launched a perilous surface attack by delivering a crippling stern
shot into a freighter and quickly following up with a series of bow
and stern torpedoes to sink the leading tanker and damage the second
one. Exposed by the light of bursting flares and bravely defiant of
terrific shellfire passing close overhead, he struck again, sinking
a transport by two forward reloads. In the mounting fury of fire
from the damaged and sinking tanker, he calmly ordered his men
below, remaining on the bridge to fight it out with an enemy now
disorganized and confused. Swift to act as a fast transport closed
in to ram, Comdr. Ramage daringly swung the stern of the speeding
Parche as she crossed the bow of the onrushing ship, clearing by
less than 50 feet but placing his submarine in a deadly crossfire
from escorts on all sides and with the transport dead ahead.
Undaunted, he sent three smashing "down the throat" bow shots to
stop the target, then scored a killing hit as a climax to 46 minutes
of violent action with the Parche and her valiant fighting company
retiring victorious and unscathed.
Invasion of Peleliu Island, Palau Group, Western
Pacific
15
September 1944 - *BAUSELL, LEWIS KENNETH, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st
Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese
forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944. Valiantly
placing himself at the head of his squad, Cpl. Bausell led the
charge forward against a hostile pillbox which was covering a vital
sector of the beach and, as the first to reach the emplacement,
immediately started firing his automatic into the aperture while the
remainder of his men closed in on the enemy. Swift to act, as a
Japanese grenade was hurled into their midst, Cpl. Bausell threw
himself on the deadly weapon, taking the full blast of the explosion
and sacrificing his own life to save his men. His unwavering loyalty
and inspiring courage reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Bausell
and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
15
September 1944 - ROUH, CARLTON ROBERT, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while attached to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st
Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese
forces on Peleliu Island, Palau group, 15 September 1944. Before
permitting his men to use an enemy dugout as a position for an
81-mm. mortar observation post, 1st Lt. Rouh made a personal
reconnaissance of the pillbox and, upon entering, was severely
wounded by Japanese rifle fire from within. Emerging from the
dugout, he was immediately assisted by two marines to a less exposed
area but, while receiving first aid, was further endangered by an
enemy grenade which was thrown into their midst. Quick to act in
spite of his weakened condition, he lurched to a crouching position
and thrust both men aside, placing his own body between them and the
grenade and taking the full blast of the explosion himself. His
exceptional spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice in the face of
almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Rouh
and the U.S. Naval Service.
18 September 1944 - *ROAN, CHARLES HOWARD, Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18
September 1944. Shortly after his leader ordered a withdrawal upon
discovering that the squad was partly cut off from their company as
a result of the rapid advance along an exposed ridge during an
aggressive attack on the strongly entrenched enemy, Pfc. Roan and
his companions were suddenly engaged in a furious exchange of
handgrenades by Japanese forces emplaced in a cave on higher ground
and to the rear of the squad. Seeking protection with four other
marines in a depression in the rocky, broken terrain, Pfc. Roan was
wounded by an enemy grenade which fell close to their position and,
immediately realizing the eminent peril to his comrades when another
grenade landed in the midst of the group, unhesitatingly flung
himself upon it, covering it with his body and absorbing the full
impact of the explosion. By his prompt action and selfless conduct
in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of four men.
His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself
and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
comrades.
18 September 1944 - JACKSON, ARTHUR J., Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau
group, 18 September 1944. Boldly taking the initiative when his
platoon's left flank advance was held up by the fire of Japanese
troops concealed in strongly fortified positions, Pfc. Jackson
unhesitatingly proceeded forward of our lines and, courageously
defying the heavy barrages, charged a large pillbox housing
approximately 35 enemy soldiers. Pouring his automatic fire into the
opening of the fixed installation to trap the occupying troops, he
hurled white phosphorus grenades and explosive charges brought up by
a fellow marine, demolishing the pillbox and killing all of the
enemy. Advancing alone under the continuous fire from other hostile
emplacements, he employed similar means to smash two smaller
positions in the immediate vicinity. Determined to crush the entire
pocket of resistance although harassed on all sides by the
shattering blasts of Japanese weapons and covered only by small
rifle parties, he stormed one gun position after another, dealing
death and destruction to the savagely fighting enemy in his
inexorable drive against the remaining defenses, and succeeded in
wiping out a total of 12 pillboxes and 50 Japanese soldiers.
Stouthearted and indomitable despite the terrific odds. Pfc. Jackson
resolutely maintained control of the platoon's left flank movement
throughout his valiant one-man assault and, by his cool decision and
relentless fighting spirit during a critical situation, contributed
essentially to the complete annihilation of the enemy in the
southern sector of the island. His gallant initiative and heroic
conduct in the face of extreme peril reflect the highest credit upon
Pfc. Jackson and the U.S. Naval Service.
19-20 September 1944 - POPE, EVERETT PARKER,
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding
officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines,
1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese
forces on Peleliu Island, Palau group, on 19-20 September 1944.
Subjected to pointblank cannon fire which caused heavy casualties
and badly disorganized his company while assaulting a steep coral
hill, Capt. Pope rallied his men and gallantly led them to the
summit in the face of machinegun, mortar, and sniper fire. Forced by
widespread hostile attack to deploy the remnants of his company
thinly in order to hold the ground won, and with his machineguns out
of order and insufficient water and ammunition, he remained on the
exposed hill with 12 men and one wounded officer determined to hold
through the night. Attacked continuously with grenades, machineguns,
and rifles from three sides, he and his valiant men fiercely beat
back or destroyed the enemy, resorting to hand-to-hand combat as the
supply of ammunition dwindled, and still maintaining his lines with
his eight remaining riflemen when daylight brought more deadly fire
and he was ordered to withdraw. His valiant leadership against
devastating odds while protecting the units below from heavy
Japanese attack reflects the highest credit upon Capt. Pope and the
U.S. Naval Service .
25 September 1944 - *NEW, JOHN DURY, Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 25
September 1944. When a Japanese soldier emerged from a cave in a
cliff directly below an observation post and suddenly hurled a
grenade into the position from which two of our men were directing
mortar fire against enemy emplacements, Pfc. New instantly perceived
the dire peril to the other marines and, with utter disregard for
his own safety, unhesitatingly flung himself upon the grenade and
absorbed the full impact of the explosion, thus saving the lives of
the two observers. Pfc. New's great personal valor and selfless
conduct in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest
credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.
4 October 1944 - *PHELPS, WESLEY, Private, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, during
a savage hostile counterattack on the night of 4 October 1944.
Stationed with another marine in an advanced position when a
Japanese handgrenade landed in his foxhole Pfc. Phelps instantly
shouted a warning to his comrade and rolled over on the deadly bomb,
absorbing with his own body the full, shattering Impact of the
exploding charge. Courageous and indomitable, Pfc. Phelps fearlessly
gave his life that another might be spared serious injury, and his
great valor and heroic devotion to duty in the face of certain death
reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.
5 October 1944 - *KRAUS, RICHARD EDWARD, Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 8th
Amphibious Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action
against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 5
October 1944. Unhesitatingly volunteering for the extremely
hazardous mission of evacuating a wounded comrade from the front
lines, Pfc. Kraus and three companions courageously made their way
forward and successfully penetrated the lines for some distance
before the enemy opened with an intense, devastating barrage of hand
grenades which forced the stretcher party to take cover and
subsequently abandon the mission. While returning to the rear, they
observed two men approaching who appeared to be marines and
immediately demanded the password. When, instead of answering, one
of the two Japanese threw a hand grenade into the midst of the
group, Pfc. Kraus heroically flung himself upon the grenade and,
covering it with his body, absorbed the full impact of the explosion
and was instantly killed. By his prompt action and great personal
valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of his
three companions, and his loyal spirit of self-sacrifice reflects
the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his comrades.
Air-Sea Rescue Operations, Halmahera Islands,
Western Pacific
16
September 1944 - PRESTON, ARTHUR MURRAY, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as commander, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33,
while effecting the rescue of a Navy pilot shot down in Wasile Bay,
Halmahera Island, less than 200 yards from a strongly defended
Japanese dock and supply area, 16 September 1944. Volunteering for a
perilous mission unsuccessfully attempted by the pilot's squadron
mates and a PBY plane, Lt. Comdr. (then Lieutenant) Preston led
PT-489 and PT-363 through 60 miles of restricted, heavily mined
waters. Twice turned back while running the gauntlet of fire from
powerful coastal defense guns guarding the 11-mile strait at the
entrance to the bay, he was again turned back by furious fire in the
immediate area of the downed airman. Aided by an aircraft
smokescreen, he finally succeeded in reaching his objective and,
under vicious fire delivered at 150-yard range, took the pilot
aboard and cleared the area, sinking a small hostile cargo vessel
with 40-mm. fire during retirement. Increasingly vulnerable when
covering aircraft were forced to leave because of insufficient fuel,
Lt. Comdr. Preston raced PT boats 489 and 363 at high speed for 20
minutes through shell-splashed water and across minefields to
safety. Under continuous fire for 2 l/2 hours, Lt. Comdr. Preston
successfully achieved a mission considered suicidal in its
tremendous hazards, and brought his boats through without personnel
casualties and with but superficial damage from shrapnel. His
exceptional daring and great personal valor enhance the finest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Submarine Operations, off Northern Philippines,
Western Pacific
23
and 24 October 1944 - O'KANE, RICHARD HETHERINGTON, Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as
commanding officer of the U.S.S. Tang operating against two enemy Japanese convoys on 23 and 24 October
1944, during her fifth and last war patrol. Boldly maneuvering on
the surface into the midst of a heavily escorted convoy, Comdr.
O'Kane stood in the fusillade of bullets and shells from all
directions to launch smashing hits on three tankers, coolly swung
his ship to fire at a freighter and, in a split-second decision,
shot out of the path of an onrushing transport, missing it by
inches. Boxed in by blazing tankers, a freighter, transport, and
several destroyers, he blasted two of the targets with his remaining
torpedoes and, with pyrotechnics bursting on all sides, cleared the
area. Twenty-four hours later, he again made contact with a heavily
escorted convoy steaming to support the Leyte campaign with
reinforcements and supplies and with crated planes piled high on
each unit. In defiance of the enemy's relentless fire, he closed the
concentration of ship and in quick succession sent two torpedoes
each into the first and second transports and an adjacent tanker,
finding his mark with each torpedo in a series of violent explosions
at less than l,000-yard range. With ships bearing down from all
sides, he charged the enemy at high speed, exploding the tanker in a
burst of flame, smashing the transport dead in the water, and
blasting the destroyer with a mighty roar which rocked the Tang from
stem to stern. Expending his last two torpedoes into the remnants of
a once powerful convoy before his own ship went down, Comdr. O'Kane,
aided by his gallant command, achieved an illustrious record of
heroism in combat, enhancing the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
(USS Tang was hit by the
last of her own torpedoes circling back, and sank with loss
of all her crew except for nine
men. The survivors included Comdr O'Kane, and all nine managed to
survive imprisonment as Japanese POW's).
Battles of Leyte Gulf, Battle of Samar, Western
Pacific
25
October 1944 - *EVANS, ERNEST EDWIN, Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S.
Johnston
(destroyer) in action against major units of the enemy Japanese
fleet during the battle off Samar on 25 October 1944. The first to
lay a smokescreen and to open fire as an enemy task force, vastly
superior in number, firepower and armor, rapidly approached. Comdr.
Evans gallantly diverted the powerful blasts of hostile guns from
the lightly armed and armored carriers under his protection,
launching the first torpedo attack when the Johnston came under
straddling Japanese shellfire. Undaunted by damage sustained under
the terrific volume of fire, he unhesitatingly joined others of his
group to provide fire support during subsequent torpedo attacks
against the Japanese and, outshooting and outmaneuvering the enemy
as he consistently interposed his vessel between the hostile fleet
units and our carriers despite the crippling loss of engine power
and communications with steering aft, shifted command to the
fantail, shouted steering orders through an open hatch to men
turning the rudder by hand and battled furiously until the Johnston,
burning and shuddering from a mortal blow, lay dead in the water
after three hours of fierce combat. Seriously wounded early in the
engagement, Comdr. Evans, by his indomitable courage and brilliant
professional skill, aided materially in turning back the enemy
during a critical phase of the action. His valiant fighting spirit
throughout this historic battle will venture as an inspiration to
all who served with him.
(USS Johnston was lost in this
engagement).
Anti-Shipping Air Operations, South China Sea,
Western Pacific
26
October 1944 - *CARSWELL, HORACE S., JR., Major, U.S. Army Air Corps
Citation: He piloted a B-24 bomber (of
the 308th Bombardment Group) in a one-plane strike against a Japanese
convoy in the South China Sea on the night of 26 October 1944. Taking
the enemy force of 12 ships escorted by at least two destroyers by
surprise, he made one bombing run at 600 feet, scoring a near miss on
one warship and escaping without drawing fire. He circled and fully
realizing that the convoy was thoroughly alerted and would meet his next
attack with a barrage of antiaircraft fire, began a second low-level run
which culminated in two direct hits on a large tanker. A hail of steel
from Japanese guns, riddled the bomber, knocking out two engines,
damaging a third, crippling the hydraulic system, puncturing one
gasoline tank, ripping uncounted holes in the aircraft, and wounding the
copilot; but by magnificent display of flying skill, Maj. Carswell
controlled the plane's plunge toward the sea and carefully forced it
into a halting climb in the direction of the China shore. On reaching
land, where it would have been possible to abandon the staggering
bomber, one of the crew discovered that his parachute had been ripped by
flak and rendered useless; the pilot, hoping to cross mountainous
terrain and reach a base, continued onward until the third engine
failed. He ordered the crew to bail out while he struggled to maintain
altitude, and, refusing to save himself, chose to remain with his
comrade and attempt a crash landing. He died when the airplane struck a
mountainside and burned. With consummate gallantry and intrepidity, Maj.
Carswell gave his life in a supreme effort to save all members of his
crew. His sacrifice. far beyond that required of him, was in keeping
with the traditional bravery of America's war heroes.
Submarine Operations, East Coast of China
19
December 1944 to 15 February 1945 - FLUCKEY, EUGENE BENNETT, Commander,
U.S. Navy
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S.
Barb during her 11th war patrol along the east coast of
China from 19 December 1944 to 15 February 1945. After sinking a
large enemy ammunition ship and damaging additional tonnage during a
running two-hour night battle on 8 January, Comdr. Fluckey, in an
exceptional feat of brilliant deduction and bold tracking on 25
January, located a concentration of more than 30 enemy ships in the
lower reaches of Nankuan Chiang (Mamkwan Harbor). Fully aware that a
safe retirement would necessitate an hour's run at full speed
through the uncharted, mined, and rock-obstructed waters, he bravely
ordered, "Battle station--torpedoes!" In a daring penetration of the
heavy enemy screen, and riding in 5 fathoms of water, he launched
the Barb's last forward torpedoes at 3,000-yard range. Quickly
bringing the ship's stern tubes to bear, he turned loose four more
torpedoes into the enemy, obtaining eight direct hits on six of the
main targets to explode a large ammunition ship and cause
inestimable damage by the resultant flying shells and other
pyrotechnics. Clearing the treacherous area at high speed, he
brought the Barb through to safety and four days later sank a large
Japanese freighter to complete a record of heroic combat
achievement, reflecting the highest credit upon Comdr. Fluckey, his
gallant officers and men, and the U.S. Naval Service.
