Submarine Operations, South West
Pacific
10
January to 7 February 1943 - *GILMORE, HOWARD WALTER,
Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation: For
distinguished gallantry and valor above and beyond
the call of duty as commanding officer of
the U.S.S. Growler during her Fourth
War Patrol in the Southwest Pacific from 10 January
to 7 February 1943. Boldly striking at the enemy in
spite of continuous hostile air and antisubmarine
patrols, Comdr. Gilmore sank one Japanese freighter
and damaged another by torpedo fire, successfully
evading severe depth charges following each attack.
In the darkness of night on 7 February, an enemy
gunboat closed range and prepared to ram the Growler.
Comdr. Gilmore daringly maneuvered to avoid the crash
and rammed the attacker instead, ripping into her
port side at 11 knots and bursting wide her plates.
In the terrific fire of the sinking gunboat's heavy
machineguns, Comdr. Gilmore calmly gave the order to
clear the bridge, and refusing safety for himself,
remained on deck while his men preceded him below.
Struck down by the fusillade of bullets and having
done his utmost against the enemy, in his final
living moments, Comdr. Gilmore gave his last order to
the officer of the deck, "Take her down."
The Growler dived; seriously damaged but under
control, she was brought safely to port by her
well-trained crew inspired by the courageous fighting
spirit of their dead captain.
Air Operations, Solomons Islands
area, SW Pacific
31
January 1943 - DEBLANC, JEFFERSON JOSEPH, Captain, 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 leader
of a section of six fighter planes in Marine
Fighting Squadron 112, during aerial
operations against enemy Japanese forces off
Kolombangara Island in the Solomons group,
31 January 1943. Taking off with his section as
escort for a strike force of dive bombers and torpedo
planes ordered to attack Japanese surface vessels,
1st Lt. DeBlanc led his flight directly to the target
area where, at 14,000 feet, our strike force
encountered a large number of Japanese Zeros
protecting the enemy's surface craft. In company with
the other fighters, 1st Lt. DeBlanc instantly engaged
the hostile planes and aggressively countered their
repeated attempts to drive off our bombers,
persevering in his efforts to protect the diving
planes and waging fierce combat until, picking up a
call for assistance from the dive bombers, under
attack by enemy float planes at 1,000 feet, he broke
off his engagement with the Zeros, plunged into the
formation of float planes and disrupted the savage
attack, enabling our dive bombers and torpedo planes
to complete their runs on the Japanese surface
disposition and withdraw without further incident.
Although his escort mission was fulfilled upon the
safe retirement of the bombers, 1st Lt. DeBlanc
courageously remained on the scene despite a rapidly
diminishing fuel supply and, boldly challenging the
enemy's superior number of float planes, fought a
valiant battle against terrific odds, seizing the
tactical advantage and striking repeatedly to destroy
three of the hostile aircraft and to disperse the
remainder. Prepared to maneuver his damaged plane
back to base, he had climbed aloft and set his course
when he discovered two Zeros closing in behind.
Undaunted, he opened fire and blasted both Zeros from
the sky in a short, bitterly fought action which
resulted in such hopeless damage to his own plane
that he was forced to bail out at a perilously low
altitude atop the trees on enemy-held Kolombangara. A
gallant officer, a superb airman, and an indomitable
fighter, 1st Lt. DeBlanc had rendered decisive
assistance during a critical stage of operations, and
his unwavering fortitude in the face of overwhelming
opposition reflects the highest credit upon himself
and adds new luster to the traditions of the U.S.
Naval Service.
7
April 1943 - SWETT, JAMES ELMS, First Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and personal valor above and
beyond the call of duty, as division leader
of Marine Fighting Squadron 221 with
Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing,
in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the
Solomons Islands area, 7 April 1943.
In a daring flight to intercept a wave of 150
Japanese planes, 1st Lt. Swett unhesitatingly hurled
his 4-plane division into action against a formation
of 15 enemy bombers and personally exploded three
hostile planes in midair with accurate and deadly
fire during his dive. Although separated from his
division while clearing the heavy concentration of
antiaircraft fire, he boldly attacked six enemy
bombers, engaged the first four in turn and, unaided,
shot down all in flames. Exhausting his ammunition as
he closed the fifth Japanese bomber, he relentlessly
drove his attack against terrific opposition which
partially disabled his engine, shattered the
windscreen and slashed his face. In spite of this, he
brought his battered plane down with skillful
precision in the water off Tulagi
without further injury. The superb airmanship and
tenacious fighting spirit which enabled 1st Lt. Swett
to destroy seven enemy bombers in a single flight
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service.
6
July 1943 - *VAN VOORHIS, BRUCE AVERY, Lieutenant
Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty as
Squadron Commander of Bombing
Squadron 102 and as Plane Commander of a
PB4Y-I Patrol Bomber operating against the enemy on
Japanese-held Greenwich Island during
the battle of the Solomon Islands, 6 July 1943. Fully
aware of the limited chance of surviving an urgent
mission, voluntarily undertaken to prevent a surprise
Japanese attack against our forces, Lt. Comdr. Van
Voorhis took off in total darkness on a perilous
700-mile flight without escort or support. Successful
in reaching his objective despite treacherous and
varying winds, low visibility and difficult terrain,
he fought a lone but relentless battle under fierce
antiaircraft fire and overwhelming aerial opposition.
Forced lower and lower by pursuing planes, he coolly
persisted in his mission of destruction. Abandoning
all chance of a safe return he executed six bold
ground-level attacks to demolish the enemy's vital
radio station, installations, antiaircraft guns and
crews with bombs and machinegun fire, and to destroy
one fighter plane in the air and three on the water.
Caught in his own bomb blast, Lt. Comdr. Van Voorhis
crashed into the lagoon off the beach, sacrificing
himself in a single-handed fight against almost
insuperable odds, to make a distinctive contribution
to our continued offensive in driving the Japanese
from the Solomons and, by his superb daring, courage
and resoluteness of purpose, enhanced the finest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
15 August 1943 - WALSH, KENNETH
AMBROSE, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty as a pilot in
Marine Fighting Squadron 124 in
aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the
Solomon Islands area. Determined to thwart the
enemy's attempt to bomb Allied ground forces and
shipping at Vella Lavella on 15
August 1943, 1st Lt. Walsh repeatedly dived his plane
into an enemy formation outnumbering his own division
6 to 1 and, although his plane was hit numerous
times, shot down two Japanese dive bombers and one
fighter. After developing engine trouble on 30 August
during a vital escort mission, 1st Lt. Walsh landed
his mechanically disabled plane at Munda, quickly
replaced it with another, and proceeded to rejoin his
flight over Kahili. Separated from his escort group
when he encountered approximately 50 Japanese Zeros,
he unhesitatingly attacked, striking with relentless
fury in his lone battle against a powerful force. He
destroyed four hostile fighters before cannon
shellfire forced him to make a dead-stick landing off
Vella Lavella where he was later picked up. His
valiant leadership and his daring skill as a flier
served as a source of confidence and inspiration to
his fellow pilots and reflect the highest credit upon
the U.S. Naval Service.
12
September 1943 to 3 January 1944 - BOYINGTON, GREGORY,
Major, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and valiant devotion to duty as
commanding officer of Marine
Fighting Squadron 214 in action against
enemy Japanese forces in the Central Solomons area
from 12 September 1943 to 3 January 1944.
Consistently outnumbered throughout successive
hazardous flights over heavily defended hostile
territory, Maj. Boyington struck at the enemy with
daring and courageous persistence, leading his
squadron into combat with devastating results to
Japanese shipping, shore installations, and aerial
forces. Resolute in his efforts to inflict crippling
damage on the enemy, Maj. Boyington led a formation
of 24 fighters over Kahili on 17 October and,
persistently circling the airdrome where 60 hostile
aircraft were grounded, boldly challenged the
Japanese to send up planes. Under his brilliant
command, our fighters shot down 20 enemy craft in the
ensuing action without the loss of a single ship. A
superb airman and determined fighter against
overwhelming odds, Maj. Boyington personally
destroyed 26 of the many Japanese planes shot down by
his squadron and, by his forceful leadership,
developed the combat readiness in his command which
was a distinctive factor in the Allied aerial
achievements in this vitally strategic area.
Invasion of Sicily, Operation
'Husky', Central Mediterranean
9-10
July 1943 - *PARLE, JOHN JOSEPH, Ensign, U.S. Naval
Reserve
Citation: For valor
and courage above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge
of Small Boats in the U.S.S.
LST 375 during the amphibious assault on the
island of Sicily, 9-10 July 1943. Realizing that a
detonation of explosives would prematurely disclose
to the enemy the assault about to be carried out, and
with full knowledge of the peril involved, Ens. Parle
unhesitatingly risked his life to extinguish a smoke
pot accidentally ignited in a boat carrying charges
of high explosives, detonating fuses and ammunition.
Undaunted by fire and blinding smoke, he entered the
craft, quickly snuffed out a burning fuse, and after
failing in his desperate efforts to extinguish the
fire pot, finally seized it with both hands and threw
it over the side. Although he succumbed a week later
from smoke and fumes inhaled, Ens. Parle's heroic
self-sacrifice prevented grave damage to the ship and
personnel and insured the security of a vital
mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of
his country.
Invasion of Lae, New Guinea, SW
Pacific
4
September 1943 - *HUTCHINS, JOHNNIE DAVID, Seaman First
Class, U.S. Naval Reserve
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous valor above and
beyond the call of duty while serving on board a Landing
Ship, Tank - USS LST 473 -
during the assault on Lae, New Guinea, 4
September 1943. As the ship on which Hutchins was
stationed approached the enemy-occupied beach under a
veritable hail of fire from Japanese shore batteries
and aerial bombardment, a hostile torpedo pierced the
surf and bore down upon the vessel with deadly
accuracy. In the tense split seconds before the
helmsman could steer clear of the threatening
missile, a bomb struck the pilot house, dislodged him
from his station, and left the stricken ship
helplessly exposed. Fully aware of the dire peril of
the situation, Hutchins, although mortally wounded by
the shattering explosion, quickly grasped the wheel
and exhausted the last of his strength in maneuvering
the vessel clear of the advancing torpedo. Still
clinging to the helm, he eventually succumbed to his
injuries, his final thoughts concerned only with the
safety of his ship, his final efforts expended toward
the security of his mission. He gallantly gave his
life in the service of his country.
Invasion of Bougainville, Northern
Solomon Islands, South West Pacific
1
November 1943 - *OWENS, ROBERT ALLEN, 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 with a marine division (the
3rd Marine
Division), in action against enemy Japanese
forces during extremely hazardous landing operations
at Cape Torokina, Bougainville,
Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. Forced to pass
within disastrous range of a strongly protected,
well-camouflaged Japanese 75-mm. regimental gun
strategically located on the beach, our landing units
were suffering heavy losses in casualties and boats
while attempting to approach the beach, and the
success of the operations was seriously threatened.
Observing the ineffectiveness of marine rifle and
grenade attacks against the incessant, devastating
fire of the enemy weapon and aware of the urgent need
for prompt action, Sgt. Owens unhesitatingly
determined to charge the gun bunker from the front
and, calling on four of his comrades to assist him,
carefully placed them to cover the fire of the two
adjacent hostile bunkers. Choosing a moment that
provided a fair opportunity for passing these
bunkers, he immediately charged into the mouth of the
steadily firing cannon and entered the emplacement
through the fire port, driving the guncrew out of the
rear door and insuring their destruction before he
himself was wounded. Indomitable and aggressive in
the face of almost certain death, Sgt. Owens silenced
a powerful gun which was of inestimable value to the
Japanese defense and, by his brilliant initiative and
heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, contributed
immeasurably to the success of the vital landing
operations. His valiant conduct throughout reflects
the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval
Service.
7
November 1943 -*THOMAS, HERBERT JOSEPH, Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d
Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces during the battle at
the Koromokina River, Bougainville Islands,
Solomon Islands, on 7 November 1943. Although several
of his men were struck by enemy bullets as he led his
squad through dense jungle undergrowth in the face of
severe hostile machinegun fire, Sgt. Thomas and his
group fearlessly pressed forward into the center of
the Japanese position and destroyed the crews of two
machineguns by accurate rifle fire and grenades.
Discovering a third gun more difficult to approach,
he carefully placed his men closely around him in
strategic positions from which they were to charge
after he had thrown a grenade into the emplacement.
When the grenade struck vines and fell back into the
midst of the group, Sgt. Thomas deliberately flung
himself upon it to smother the explosion, valiantly
sacrificing his life for his comrades. Inspired by
his selfless action, his men unhesitatingly charged
the enemy machinegun and, with fierce determination,
killed the crew and several other nearby-defenders.
The splendid initiative and extremely heroic conduct
of Sgt. Thomas in carrying out his prompt decision
with full knowledge of his fate reflect great credit
upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
9
November 1943 - *GURKE, HENRY, Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and courage above and beyond
the call of duty while attached to the 3d
Marine Raider Battalion during action
against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands
area on 9 November 1943. While his platoon was
engaged in the defense of a vital road block near
Empress Augusta Bay on Bougainville Island.
Pfc. Gurke, in company with another Marine, was
delivering a fierce stream of fire against the main
vanguard of the Japanese. Concluding from the
increasing ferocity of grenade barrages that the
enemy was determined to annihilate their small, 2-man
foxhole, he resorted to a bold and desperate measure
for holding out despite the torrential hail of
shells. When a Japanese grenade dropped squarely into
the foxhole, Pfc. Gurke, mindful that his companion
manned an automatic weapon of superior fire power and
therefore could provide more effective resistance,
thrust him roughly aside and flung his own body over
the missile to smother the explosion. With unswerving
devotion to duty and superb valor, Pfc. Gurke
sacrificed himself in order that his comrade might
live to carry on the fight. He gallantly gave his
life in the service of his country.
Air Operations, Northern Solomons
& Bismarck Archipelago area, SW Pacific
1
November 1943 and 24 January 1944 - *HANSON, ROBERT
MURRAY, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life and above and beyond the call of duty as
fighter pilot attached to Marine
Fighting Squadron 215 in action against
enemy Japanese forces at Bougainville Island, 1
November 1943; and New Britain Island, 24 January
1944. Undeterred by fierce opposition, and fearless
in the face of overwhelming odds, 1st Lt. Hanson
fought the Japanese boldly and with daring
aggressiveness. On 1 November, while flying cover for
our landing operations at Empress Augusta Bay,
he dauntlessly attacked six enemy torpedo bombers,
forcing them to jettison their bombs and destroying
one Japanese plane during the action. Cut off from
his division while deep in enemy territory during a
high cover flight over Simpson Harbor
on 24 January, 1st Lt. Hanson waged a lone and
gallant battle against hostile interceptors as they
were orbiting to attack our bombers and, striking
with devastating fury, brought down four Zeroes and
probably a fifth. Handling his plane superbly in both
pursuit and attack measures, he was a master of
individual air combat, accounting for a total of 25
Japanese aircraft in this theater of war. His great
personal valor and invincible fighting spirit were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
2
November 1943 - *WILKINS, RAYMOND H., Major, U.S. Army
Air Corps
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy
near Rabaul, New Britain, on 2 November
1943. Leading his squadron
in an attack on shipping in Simpson Harbor,
during which intense antiaircraft fire was expected,
Maj. Wilkins briefed his squadron so that his
airplane would be in the position of greatest risk.
His squadron was the last of three in the group to
enter the target area. Smoke from bombs dropped by
preceding aircraft necessitated a last-second
revision of tactics on his part, which still enabled
his squadron to strike vital shipping targets, but
forced it to approach through concentrated fire, and
increased the danger of Maj. Wilkins' left flank
position. His airplane was hit almost immediately,
the right wing damaged, and control rendered
extremely difficult. Although he could have
withdrawn, he held fast and led his squadron into the
attack. He strafed a group of small harbor vessels,
and then, at low level, attacked an enemy destroyer.
His 1,000 pound bomb struck squarely amidships,
causing the vessel to explode. Although antiaircraft
fire from this vessel had seriously damaged his left
vertical stabilizer, he refused to deviate from the
course. From below-masthead height he attacked a
transport of some 9,000 tons, scoring a hit which
engulfed the ship in flames. Bombs expended, he began
to withdraw his squadron. A heavy cruiser barred the
path. Unhesitatingly, to neutralize the cruisers guns
and attract its fire, he went in for a strafing run.
His damaged stabilizer was completely shot off. To
avoid swerving into his wing planes he had to turn so
as to expose the belly and full wing surfaces of his
plane to the enemy fire; it caught and crumpled his
left wing. Now past control, the bomber crashed into
the sea. In the fierce engagement Maj. Wilkins
destroyed two enemy vessels, and his heroic
self-sacrifice made possible the safe withdrawal of
the remaining planes of his squadron.
Submarine Operations, Central
Pacific
19
November 1943 - *CROMWELL, JOHN PHILIP, Captain, U.S.
Navy
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty as
Commander of a Submarine Coordinated Attack
Group with Flag in the U.S.S. Sculpin,
during the 9th War Patrol of that vessel in
enemy-controlled waters off Truk Island,
19 November 1943. Undertaking this patrol prior to
the launching of our first large-scale offensive in
the Pacific, Capt. Cromwell, alone of the entire Task
Group, possessed secret intelligence information of
our submarine strategy and tactics, scheduled Fleet
movements and specific attack plans. Constantly
vigilant and precise in carrying out his secret
orders, he moved his underseas flotilla inexorably
forward despite savage opposition and established a
line of submarines to southeastward of the main
Japanese stronghold at Truk. Cool and undaunted as
the submarine, rocked and battered by Japanese depth
charges, sustained terrific battle damage and sank to
an excessive depth, he authorized the Sculpin to
surface and engage the enemy in a gunfight, thereby
providing an opportunity for the crew to abandon
ship. Determined to sacrifice himself rather than
risk capture and subsequent danger of revealing plans
under Japanese torture or use of drugs, he stoically
remained aboard the mortally wounded vessel as she
plunged to her death. Preserving the security of his
mission, at the cost of his own life, he had served
his country as he had served the Navy, with deep
integrity and an uncompromising devotion to duty. His
great moral courage in the face of certain death adds
new luster to the traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Invasion of Betio island, Tarawa
atoll, Gilbert Islands, Central Pacific
20
November 1943 - *BORDELON, WILLIAM JAMES, Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For valorous
and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty
as a member of an assault engineer platoon
of the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines,
tactically attached to the 2d Marine Division, in
action against the Japanese-held atoll of Tarawa in
the Gilbert Islands on 20 November 1943. Landing in
the assault waves under withering enemy fire which
killed all but four of the men in his tractor, S/Sgt.
Bordelon hurriedly made demolition charges and
personally put two pillboxes out of action. Hit by
enemy machinegun fire just as a charge exploded in
his hand while assaulting a third position, he
courageously remained in action and, although out of
demolition, provided himself with a rifle and
furnished fire coverage for a group of men scaling
the seawall. Disregarding his own serious condition,
he unhesitatingly went to the aid of one of his
demolition men, wounded and calling for help in the
water, rescuing this man and another who had been hit
by enemy fire while attempting to make the rescue.
Still refusing first aid for himself, he again made
up demolition charges and single-handedly assaulted a
fourth Japanese machinegun position but was instantly
killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the
enemy. S/Sgt. Bordelon's great personal valor during
a critical phase of securing the limited beachhead
was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation
of the island, and his heroic determination
throughout three days of violent battle reflects the
highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
20
and 21 November 1943 - *HAWKINS, WILLIAM DEAN, First
Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For valorous
and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty
as commanding officer of a Scout
Sniper Platoon attached to the
Assault Regiment in action against
Japanese-held Tarawa in the Gilbert Island, 20 and 21
November 1943. The first to disembark from the jeep
lighter, 1st Lt. Hawkins unhesitatingly moved forward
under heavy enemy fire at the end of the Betio Pier,
neutralizing emplacements in coverage of troops
assaulting the main beach positions. Fearlessly
leading his men on to join the forces fighting
desperately to gain a beachhead, he repeatedly risked
his life throughout the day and night to direct and
lead attacks on pillboxes and installations with
grenades and demolitions. At dawn on the following
day, 1st Lt. Hawkins resumed the dangerous mission of
clearing the limited beachhead of Japanese
resistance, personally initiating an assault on a
hostile position fortified by S enemy machineguns,
and, crawling forward in the face of withering fire,
boldly fired pointblank into the loopholes and
completed the destruction with grenades. Refusing to
withdraw after being seriously wounded in the chest
during this skirmish, 1st Lt. Hawkins steadfastly
carried the fight to the enemy, destroying three more
pillboxes before he was caught in a burst of Japanese
shellfire and mortally wounded. His relentless
fighting spirit in the face of formidable opposition
and his exceptionally daring tactics served as an
inspiration to his comrades during the most crucial
phase of the battle and reflect the highest credit
upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life for his country.
20
to 22 November 1943 - SHOUP, DAVID MONROE, Colonel, 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 all Marine Corps troops in
action against enemy Japanese forces on Betio
Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from
20 to 22 November 1943. Although severely shocked by
an exploding enemy shell soon after landing at the
pier and suffering from a serious, painful leg wound
which had become infected, Col. Shoup fearlessly
exposed himself to the terrific and relentless
artillery, machinegun, and rifle fire from hostile
shore emplacements. Rallying his hesitant troops by
his own inspiring heroism, he gallantly led them
across the fringing reefs to charge the heavily
fortified island and reinforce our hard-pressed,
thinly held lines. Upon arrival on shore, he assumed
command of all landed troops and, working without
rest under constant, withering enemy fire during the
next two days, conducted smashing attacks against
unbelievably strong and fanatically defended Japanese
positions despite innumerable obstacles and heavy
casualties. By his brilliant leadership daring
tactics, and selfless devotion to duty, Col. Shoup
was largely responsible for the final decisive defeat
of the enemy, and his indomitable fighting spirit
reflects great credit upon the U.S. Naval Service .
20-22
November 1943 - *BONNYMAN, ALEXANDER, JR., First
Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty as Executive
Officer of the 2d Battalion Shore
Party, 8th Marines, 2d Marine Division,
during the assault against enemy Japanese-held Tarawa
in the Gilbert Islands, 20-22 November 1943. Acting
on his own initiative when assault troops were pinned
down at the far end of Betio Pier by the overwhelming
fire of Japanese shore batteries, 1st Lt. Bonnyman
repeatedly defied the blasting fury of the enemy
bombardment to organize and lead the besieged men
over the long, open pier to the beach and then,
voluntarily obtaining flame throwers and demolitions,
organized his pioneer shore party into assault
demolitionists and directed the blowing of several
hostile installations before the close of D-day.
Determined to effect an opening in the enemy's
strongly organized defense line the following day, he
voluntarily crawled approximately 40 yards forward of
our lines and placed demolitions in the entrance of a
large Japanese emplacement as the initial move in his
planned attack against the heavily garrisoned,
bombproof installation which was stubbornly resisting
despite the destruction early in the action of a
large number of Japanese who had been inflicting
heavy casualties on our forces and holding up our
advance. Withdrawing only to replenish his
ammunition, he led his men in a renewed assault,
fearlessly exposing himself to the merciless slash of
hostile fire as he stormed the formidable bastion,
directed the placement of demolition charges in both
entrances and seized the top of the bombproof
position, flushing more than 100 of the enemy who
were instantly cut down, and effecting the
annihilation of approximately 150 troops inside the
emplacement. Assailed by additional Japanese after he
had gained his objective, he made a heroic stand on
the edge of the structure, defending his strategic
position with indomitable determination in the face
of the desperate charge and killing three of the
enemy before he fell, mortally wounded. By his
dauntless fighting spirit, unrelenting aggressiveness
and forceful leadership throughout three days of
unremitting, violent battle, 1st Lt. Bonnyman had
inspired his men to heroic effort, enabling them to
beat off the counterattack and break the back of
hostile resistance in that sector for an immediate
gain of 400 yards with no further casualties to our
forces in this zone. He gallantly gave his life for
his country.
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