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Corporal Charles Joseph Berry |
BERRY, CHARLES JOSEPH
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 10 July
1923, Lorain, Ohio. Accredited to: Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as member of a machinegun crew, serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division,
in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. Stationed
in the front lines, Cpl. Berry manned his weapon with alert readiness as he maintained a constant vigil with other members
of his gun crew during the hazardous night hours. When infiltrating Japanese soldiers launched a surprise attack shortly after
midnight in an attempt to overrun his position, he engaged in a pitched hand grenade duel, returning the dangerous weapons
with prompt and deadly accuracy until an enemy grenade landed in the foxhole. Determined to save his comrades, he unhesitatingly
chose to sacrifice himself and immediately dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding
charge in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Cpl. Berry fearlessly
yielded his own life that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle against a ruthless enemy and his superb
valor and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
CADDY, WILLIAM ROBERT
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 8 August 1925, Quincy, Mass. Accredited to: Massachusetts. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company 1, 3d Battalion, 26th Marines,
5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 3 March
1945. Consistently aggressive, Pfc. Caddy boldly defied shattering Japanese machinegun and small arms fire to move forward
with his platoon leader and another marine during the determined advance of his company through an isolated sector and, gaining
the comparative safety of a shell hole, took temporary cover with his comrades. Immediately pinned down by deadly sniper fire
from a well-concealed position, he made several unsuccessful attempts to again move forward and then, joined by his platoon
leader, engaged the enemy in a fierce exchange of hand grenades until a Japanese grenade fell beyond reach in the shell hole.
Fearlessly disregarding all personal danger, Pfc. Caddy instantly dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge
in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he unhesitatingly yielded his
own life that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy. His dauntless courage and valiant
spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Caddy and upon the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.
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Colonel Justice M. Chambers |
CHAMBERS, JUSTICE M.
Rank and organization: Colonel. U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 3rd
Assault Battalion Landing Team. 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division. Place and date: On Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. from 19 to
22 February 1945. Entered service at: Washington, D.C. Born: 2 February 1908, Huntington, W. Va. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the 3d Assault
Battalion Landing Team, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands,
from 19 to 22 February 1945. Under a furious barrage of enemy machinegun and small-arms fire from the commanding cliffs on
the right, Col. Chambers (then Lt. Col.) landed immediately after the initial assault waves of his battalion on D-day to find
the momentum of the assault threatened by heavy casualties from withering Japanese artillery, mortar rocket, machinegun, and
rifle fire. Exposed to relentless hostile fire, he coolly reorganized his battle-weary men, inspiring them to heroic efforts
by his own valor and leading them in an attack on the critical, impregnable high ground from which the enemy was pouring an
increasing volume of fire directly onto troops ashore as well as amphibious craft in succeeding waves. Constantly in the front
lines encouraging his men to push forward against the enemy's savage resistance, Col. Chambers led the 8-hour battle to carry
the flanking ridge top and reduce the enemy's fields of aimed fire, thus protecting the vital foothold gained. In constant
defiance of hostile fire while reconnoitering the entire regimental combat team zone of action, he maintained contact with
adjacent units and forwarded vital information to the regimental commander. His zealous fighting spirit undiminished despite
terrific casualties and the loss of most of his key officers, he again reorganized his troops for renewed attack against the
enemy's main line of resistance and was directing the fire of the rocket platoon when he fell, critically wounded. Evacuated
under heavy Japanese fire, Col. Chambers, by forceful leadership, courage, and fortitude in the face of staggering odds, was
directly instrumental in insuring the success of subsequent operations of the 5th Amphibious Corps on Iwo Jima, thereby sustaining
and enhancing the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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Sergeant Darrell Samuel Cole |
COLE, DARRELL SAMUEL
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born:
20 July 1920, Flat River, Mo. Entered service at. Esther, Mo. other Navy award: Bronze Star Medal. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as leader of a Machinegun
Section of Company B, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the
assault on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Assailed by a tremendous volume of small-arms, mortar and artillery
fire as he advanced with 1 squad of his section in the initial assault wave, Sgt. Cole boldly led his men up the sloping beach
toward Airfield No. 1 despite the blanketing curtain of flying shrapnel and, personally destroying with hand grenades 2 hostile
emplacements which menaced the progress of his unit, continued to move forward until a merciless barrage of fire emanating
from 3 Japanese pillboxes halted the advance. Instantly placing his 1 remaining machinegun in action, he delivered a shattering
fusillade and succeeded in silencing the nearest and most threatening emplacement before his weapon jammed and the enemy,
reopening fire with knee mortars and grenades, pinned down his unit for the second time. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation
and evolving a daring plan of counterattack, Sgt. Cole, armed solely with a pistol and 1 grenade, coolly advanced alone to
the hostile pillboxes. Hurling his 1 grenade at the enemy in sudden, swift attack, he quickly withdrew, returned to his own
lines for additional grenades and again advanced, attacked, and withdrew. With enemy guns still active, he ran the gauntlet
of slashing fire a third time to complete the total destruction of the Japanese strong point and the annihilation of the defending
garrison in this final assault. Although instantly killed by an enemy grenade as he returned to his squad, Sgt. Cole had eliminated
a formidable Japanese position, thereby enabling his company to storm the remaining fortifications, continue the advance,
and seize the objective. By his dauntless initiative, unfaltering courage, and indomitable determination during a critical
period of action, Sgt. Cole served as an inspiration to his comrades, and his stouthearted leadership in the face of almost
certain death sustained and enhanced the highest tradition of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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Captain Robert Hugo Dunlap |
DUNLAP, ROBERT HUGO
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company
C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. Place and date: On Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 and 21 February 1945.
Entered service at: Illinois. Born: 19 October 1920, Abingdon, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th
Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 20 and
21 February, 1945. Defying uninterrupted blasts of Japanese artillery. mortar, rifle and machinegun fire, Capt. Dunlap led
his troops in a determined advance from low ground uphill toward the steep cliffs from which the enemy poured a devastating
rain of shrapnel and bullets, steadily inching forward until the tremendous volume of enemy fire from the caves located high
to his front temporarily halted his progress. Determined not to yield, he crawled alone approximately 200 yards forward of
his front lines, took observation at the base of the cliff 50 yards from Japanese lines, located the enemy gun positions and
returned to his own lines where he relayed the vital information to supporting artillery and naval gunfire units. Persistently
disregarding his own personal safety, he then placed himself in an exposed vantage point to direct more accurately the supporting
fire and, working without respite for 2 days and 2 nights under constant enemy fire, skillfully directed a smashing bombardment
against the almost impregnable Japanese positions despite numerous obstacles and heavy marine casualties. A brilliant leader,
Capt. Dunlap inspired his men to heroic efforts during this critical phase of the battle and by his cool decision, indomitable
fighting spirit, and daring tactics in the face of fanatic opposition greatly accelerated the final decisive defeat of Japanese
countermeasures in his sector and materially furthered the continued advance of his company. His great personal valor and
gallant spirit of self-sacrifice throughout the bitter hostilities reflect the highest credit upon Capt. Dunlap and the U.S.
Naval Service.
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Sergeant Ross Franklin Gray |
GRAY, ROSS FRANKLIN
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born:
August 1920, Marvel Valley, Ala. Accredited to: Alabama. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Platoon Sergeant attached to Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Shrewdly gauging the tactical
situation when his platoon was held up by a sudden barrage of hostile grenades while advancing toward the high ground northeast
of Airfield No. 1, Sgt. Gray promptly organized the withdrawal of his men from enemy grenade range, quickly moved forward
alone to reconnoiter and discovered a heavily mined area extending along the front of a strong network of emplacements joined
by covered trenches. Although assailed by furious gunfire, he cleared a path leading through the minefield to one of the fortifications,
then returned to the platoon position and, informing his leader of the serious situation, volunteered to initiate an attack
under cover of 3 fellow marines. Alone and unarmed but carrying a huge satchel charge, he crept up on the Japanese emplacement,
boldly hurled the short-fused explosive and sealed the entrance. Instantly taken under machinegun fire from a second entrance
to the same position, he unhesitatingly braved the increasingly vicious fusillades to crawl back for another charge, returned
to his objective and blasted the second opening, thereby demolishing the position. Repeatedly covering the ground between
the savagely defended enemy fortifications and his platoon area, he systematically approached, attacked and withdrew under
blanketing fire to destroy a total of 6 Japanese positions, more than 25 troops and a quantity of vital ordnance gear and
ammunition. Stouthearted and indomitable, Sgt. Gray had single-handedly overcome a strong enemy garrison and had completely
disarmed a large minefield before finally rejoining his unit. By his great personal valor, daring tactics and tenacious perseverance
in the face of extreme peril, he had contributed materially to the fulfillment of his company mission. His gallant conduct
throughout enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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Sergeant William George Harrell |
HARRELL, WILLIAM GEORGE
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Battalion,
28th Marines, 5th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Entered service at: Mercedes,
Tex. Born: 26 June 1922, Rio Grande City, Tex. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty as leader of an assault group attached to the 1st Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division
during hand-to-hand combat with enemy Japanese at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. Standing watch alternately with
another marine in a terrain studded with caves and ravines, Sgt. Harrell was holding a position in a perimeter defense around
the company command post when Japanese troops infiltrated our lines in the early hours of dawn. Awakened by a sudden attack,
he quickly opened fire with his carbine and killed 2 of the enemy as they emerged from a ravine in the light of a star shellburst.
Unmindful of his danger as hostile grenades fell closer, he waged a fierce lone battle until an exploding missile tore off
his left hand and fractured his thigh. He was vainly attempting to reload the carbine when his companion returned from the
command post with another weapon. Wounded again by a Japanese who rushed the foxhole wielding a saber in the darkness, Sgt.
Harrell succeeded in drawing his pistol and killing his opponent and then ordered his wounded companion to a place of safety.
Exhausted by profuse bleeding but still unbeaten, he fearlessly met the challenge of 2 more enemy troops who charged his position
and placed a grenade near his head. Killing 1 man with his pistol, he grasped the sputtering grenade with his good right hand,
and, pushing it painfully toward the crouching soldier, saw his remaining assailant destroyed but his own hand severed in
the explosion. At dawn Sgt. Harrell was evacuated from a position hedged by the bodies of 12 dead Japanese, at least 5 of
whom he had personally destroyed in his self-sacrificing defense of the command post. His grim fortitude, exceptional valor,
and indomitable fighting spirit against almost insurmountable odds reflect the highest credit upon himself and enhance the
finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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Lieutenant Rufus G. Herring |
HERRING, RUFUS G.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve, LCI (G)
449. Place and date: Iwo Jima, 17 February 1945. Entered service at: North Carolina. Born: 11 June 1921, Roseboro, N.C. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer
of LCI (G) 449 operating as a unit of LCI (G) Group 8, during the preinvasion attack on Iwo Jima on 17 February 1945. Boldly
closing the strongly fortified shores under the devastating fire of Japanese coastal defense guns, Lt. (then Lt. (j.g.)) Herring
directed shattering barrages of 40mm. and 20mm. gunfire against hostile beaches until struck down by the enemy's savage counterfire
which blasted the 449's heavy guns and whipped her decks into sheets of flame. Regaining consciousness despite profuse bleeding
he was again critically wounded when a Japanese mortar crashed the conning station, instantly killing or fatally wounding
most of the officers and leaving the ship wallowing without navigational control. Upon recovering the second time, Lt. Herring
resolutely climbed down to the pilothouse and, fighting against his rapidly waning strength, took over the helm, established
communication with the engine room, and carried on valiantly until relief could be obtained. When no longer able to stand,
he propped himself against empty shell cases and rallied his men to the aid of the wounded; he maintained position in the
firing line with his 20mm. guns in action in the face of sustained enemy fire, and conned his crippled ship to safety. His
unwavering fortitude, aggressive perseverance, and indomitable spirit against terrific odds reflect the highest credit upon
Lt. Herring and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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Pfc Douglas Thomas Jacobson |
JACOBSON, DOUGLAS THOMAS
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve,
3d Battalion, 23d Marines, 4th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 February 1945. Entered service
at: New York. Born: 25 November 1925, Rochester, N.Y. 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, 23d Marines, 4th Marine Division, in combat against
enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Island, 26 February 1945. Promptly destroying a stubborn
20mm. antiaircraft gun and its crew after assuming the duties of a bazooka man who had been killed, Pfc. Jacobson waged a
relentless battle as his unit fought desperately toward the summit of Hill 382 in an effort to penetrate the heart of Japanese
cross-island defense. Employing his weapon with ready accuracy when his platoon was halted by overwhelming enemy fire on 26
February, he first destroyed 2 hostile machinegun positions, then attacked a large blockhouse, completely neutralizing the
fortification before dispatching the 5-man crew of a second pillbox and exploding the installation with a terrific demolitions
blast. Moving steadily forward, he wiped out an earth-covered rifle emplacement and, confronted by a cluster of similar emplacements
which constituted the perimeter of enemy defenses in his assigned sector, fearlessly advanced, quickly reduced all 6 positions
to a shambles, killed 10 of the enemy, and enabled our forces to occupy the strong point. Determined to widen the breach thus
forced, he volunteered his services to an adjacent assault company, neutralized a pillbox holding up its advance, opened fire
on a Japanese tank pouring a steady stream of bullets on 1 of our supporting tanks, and smashed the enemy tank's gun turret
in a brief but furious action culminating in a single-handed assault against still another blockhouse and the subsequent neutralization
of its firepower. By his dauntless skill and valor, Pfc. Jacobson destroyed a total of 16 enemy positions and annihilated
approximately 75 Japanese, thereby contributing essentially to the success of his division's operations against this fanatically
defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His gallant conduct in the face of tremendous odds enhanced and sustained the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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Sergeant Joseph Rodolph Julian |
JULIAN, JOSEPH RODOLPH
Rank and organization: Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 3 April 1918, Sturbridge, Mass. Accredited to: Massachusetts. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a P/Sgt. serving with the 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 9 March 1945. Determined
to force a breakthrough when Japanese troops occupying trenches and fortified positions on the left front laid down a terrific
machinegun and mortar barrage in a desperate effort to halt his company's advance, P/Sgt. Julian quickly established his platoon's
guns in strategic supporting positions, and then, acting on his own initiative, fearlessly moved forward to execute a 1-man
assault on the nearest pillbox. Advancing alone, he hurled deadly demolition and white phosphorus grenades into the emplacement,
killing 2 of the enemy and driving the remaining 5 out into the adjoining trench system. Seizing a discarded rifle, he jumped
into the trench and dispatched the 5 before they could make an escape. Intent on wiping out all resistance, he obtained more
explosives and, accompanied by another marine, again charged the hostile fortifications and knocked out 2 more cave positions.
Immediately thereafter, he launched a bazooka attack unassisted, firing 4 rounds into the 1 remaining pillbox and completely
destroying it before he fell, mortally wounded by a vicious burst of enemy fire. Stouthearted and indomitable, P/Sgt. Julian
consistently disregarded all personal danger and, by his bold decision, daring tactics, and relentless fighting spirit during
a critical phase of the battle, contributed materially to the continued advance of his company and to the success of his division's
operations in the sustained drive toward the conquest of this fiercely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His outstanding
valor and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice throughout the bitter conflict sustained and enhanced the highest traditions
of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
LA BELLE,
JAMES DENNIS
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 22 November 1925, Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 27th
Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Filling a gap in the front lines during a critical phase of the battle,
Pfc. LaBelle had dug into a foxhole with two other Marines and, grimly aware of the enemy's persistent attempts to blast a
way through our lines with hand grenades, applied himself with steady concentration to maintaining a sharply vigilant watch
during the hazardous night hours. Suddenly a hostile grenade landed beyond reach in his foxhole. Quickly estimating the situation,
he determined to save the others if possible, shouted a warning, and instantly dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the
exploding charge in his own body and thereby protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he
had unhesitatingly relinquished his own chance of survival that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless fight against
a fanatic enemy His dauntless courage, cool decision and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect
the highest credit upon Pfc. LaBelle and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
LEIMS, JOHN HAROLD
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. marine Corps Reserve,
Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 7 march 1945. Entered
service at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 8 June 1921, Chicago, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division,
in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 7 march 1945. Launching a surprise attack against
the rock-imbedded fortification of a dominating Japanese hill position, 2d Lt. Leims spurred his company forward with indomitable
determination and, skillfully directing his assault platoons against the cave-emplaced enemy troops and heavily fortified
pillboxes, succeeded in capturing the objective in later afternoon. When it became apparent that his assault platoons were
cut off in this newly won position, approximately 400 yards forward of adjacent units and lacked all communication with the
command post, he personally advanced and laid telephone lines across the isolating expanse of open fire-swept terrain. Ordered
to withdraw his command after he had joined his forward platoons, he immediately complied, adroitly effecting the withdrawal
of his troops without incident. Upon arriving at the rear, he was informed that several casualties had been left at the abandoned
ridge position beyond the frontlines. Although suffering acutely from the strain and exhausting of battle, he instantly went
forward despite darkness and the slashing fury of hostile machinegun fire, located and carried to safety 1 seriously wounded
marine and then, running the gauntlet of enemy fire for the third time that night, again made his tortuous way into the bullet-riddled
deathtrap and rescued another of his wounded men. A dauntless leader, concerned at all time for the welfare of his men, 2d
Lt. Leims soundly maintained the coordinated strength of his battle-wearied company under extremely difficult conditions and,
by his bold tactics, sustained aggressiveness, and heroic disregard for all personal danger, contributed essentially to the
success of his division's operations against this vital Japanese base. His valiant conduct in the face of fanatic opposition
sustains and enhances the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
LUCAS, JACKLYN HAROLD
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve,
1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. Entered service
at: Norfolk, Va. Born: 14 February 1928, Plymouth, N.C. 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, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, during
action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. While creeping through a treacherous,
twisting ravine which ran in close proximity to a fluid and uncertain frontline on D-plus-1 day, Pfc. Lucas and 3 other men
were suddenly ambushed by a hostile patrol which savagely attacked with rifle fire and grenades. Quick to act when the lives
of the small group were endangered by 2 grenades which landed directly in front of them, Pfc. Lucas unhesitatingly hurled
himself over his comrades upon 1 grenade and pulled the other under him, absorbing the whole blasting forces of the explosions
in his own body in order to shield his companions from the concussion and murderous flying fragments. By his inspiring action
and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice, he not only protected his comrades from certain injury or possible death but also enabled
them to rout the Japanese patrol and continue the advance. His exceptionally courageous initiative and loyalty reflect the
highest credit upon Pfc. Lucas and the U.S. Naval Service.
Jack Lucas, who forged his mother's signature on an enlistment document so he could join the military at 14 during World
War II and who became the youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor, has died. He was 80.
Lucas, who was diagnosed
with leukemia in April, 2008 died May, 2008 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Miss., after asking to be
removed from a dialysis machine, said Mary Draughn, a close friend.
Three years after joining the Marines, Lucas was stationed at a supply depot in Hawaii when he stowed away on a ship
headed to Iwo Jima because he was afraid he would never see combat, he later recalled. On Feb. 20, 1945 -- six days
after he turned 17 -- Lucas was fighting Japanese soldiers in a trench during the Battle of Iwo Jima when he dived on top
of two grenades and pushed them deep into the beach's volcanic ash to shield three other Marines from harm. "I didn't
think. I just immediately reacted and did what I had to do," Lucas told USA Today last year. One of the grenades exploded.
Lucas suffered near-fatal injuries and underwent more than 20 operations over the following months. More than 200 bits of
metal remained embedded in his body. For his actions, Lucas was presented the Medal of Honor -- the nation's highest
and most exclusive military decoration -- by President Truman in October 1945 in a ceremony on the White House lawn. Truman
"told me he'd rather have that Medal of Honor than be president of the United States," Lucas said in 2006 in the Herald-Sun
of Durham, N.C. "I said, 'Sir, I'll swap you.' And all he did was laugh." Only one other 20th century Medal of Honor
recipient was younger than Lucas. He was James Aloysius Walsh, a 16-year-old Navy seaman who was honored for his heroism during
the 1914 U.S. occupation of Veracruz, Mexico. There are 29 surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipients and 104 overall. Since the distinction was established in 1862, there have been 3,448 Medal of Honor recipients,
according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. "I never really thought of myself as a hero, period, but they
chose to decorate me," Lucas told the Washington Post in 1985. "Then I was cocky after all that fanfare. It really blew my
mind, women jumping on me and kissing me. . . . I got engaged four times." People often told Lucas he should recount
his war years in a book, he recalled. At the dedication of a war memorial, he met D.K. Drum, a North Carolina writer who later
became the coauthor of his 2006 book, "Indestructible: The Unforgettable Story of a Marine Hero at the Battle of Iwo Jima." Jacklyn
Harold Lucas was born Feb. 14, 1928, in Plymouth, N.C. His father died when he was 10. When the Japanese bombed Pearl
Harbor, Lucas was a 13-year-old cadet captain at Edwards Military Institute in the small town of Salemburg, N.C. "Though
I was only an eighth-grader . . . I would not settle for watching from the sidelines when the United States was in such desperate
need of support from its citizens," he said in his book. After he joined the Marines, military censors discovered his
actual age when he wrote a letter to his girlfriend, who was 15. When they threatened to send him home, he said he would just
join the Army. The Marines had assigned Lucas to the relatively safe job of driving a transport truck in Hawaii when he jumped
a troop ship bound for Iwo Jima. After the war, Lucas married Helen, the first of his four wives, on "The Bride and
Groom Show," a CBS program that featured couples and their on-air weddings. Four years later, he earned a business administration
degree from High Point University in North Carolina. In 1961, at 33, Lucas once again wanted to wear a military uniform. The
Marines would have welcomed him back, Lucas later said, but he joined the Army because he wanted to jump from planes. He rose
to the rank of captain but quit in 1965, bitterly disappointed that he would not be sent to Vietnam, he said in his book. Over
the next 16 years, he built a chain of successful butcher shops in the Washington, D.C., area. "He was a character.
He didn't fit any mold," said Doug Sterner, a military historian who was his friend. "Jack was very outspoken, a guy who was
willing to go against the grain." During his 1995 State of the Union speech, President Clinton introduced Lucas to
the country. Sitting next to First Lady Hillary Clinton, Lucas heard the president say in part: "Fifty years
ago in the sands of Iwo Jima, Jack Lucas taught and learned the lessons of citizenship. . . . All these years later, yesterday,
here is what he said about that day: 'Didn't matter where you were from or who you were, you relied on one another. You did
it for your country.' " Lucas is survived by his wife, Ruby, whom he married in 1998, of Hattiesburg; four sons, William,
Jimmy, Lewis and Kelly; a daughter, Peggy; a brother; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Instead of flowers,
the family suggests donations to the Marine Corps League, Commiskey-Wheat Detachment 1073, P.O. Box 18290, Hattiesburg, MS,
39404
LUMMUS, JACK
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 22 October 1915, Ennie, Tex. Appointed from: Texas. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the 2d Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th
Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Resuming his assault
tactics with bold decision after fighting without respite for 2 days and nights, 1st Lt. Lummus slowly advanced his platoon
against an enemy deeply entrenched in a network of mutually supporting positions. Suddenly halted by a terrific concentration
of hostile fire, he unhesitatingly moved forward of his front lines in an effort to neutralize the Japanese position. Although
knocked to the ground when an enemy grenade exploded close by, he immediately recovered himself and, again moving forward
despite the intensified barrage, quickly located, attacked, and destroyed the occupied emplacement. Instantly taken under
fire by the garrison of a supporting pillbox and further assailed by the slashing fury of hostile rifle fire, he fell under
the impact of a second enemy grenade but, courageously disregarding painful shoulder wounds, staunchly continued his heroic
1-man assault and charged the second pillbox, annihilating all the occupants. Subsequently returning to his platoon position,
he fearlessly traversed his lines under fire, encouraging his men to advance and directing the fire of supporting tanks against
other stubbornly holding Japanese emplacements. Held up again by a devastating barrage, he again moved into the open, rushed
a third heavily fortified installation and killed the defending troops. Determined to crush all resistance, he led his men
indomitably, personally attacking foxholes and spider traps with his carbine and systematically reducing the fanatic opposition
until, stepping on a land mine, he sustained fatal wounds. By his outstanding valor, skilled tactics, and tenacious perseverance
in the face of overwhelming odds, 1st Lt. Lummus had inspired his stouthearted marines to continue the relentless drive northward,
thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental mission. His dauntless leadership and unwavering devotion
to duty throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the
service of his country.
MARTIN, HARRY LINN
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 4 January 1911, Bucyrus, Ohio. Appointed from. Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty as platoon leader attached to Company C, 5th Pioneer Battalion, 5th Marine Division,
in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 March 1945. With his sector of the 5th Pioneer Battalion
bivouac area penetrated by a concentrated enemy attack launched a few minutes before dawn, 1st Lt. Martin instantly organized
a firing line with the marines nearest his foxhole and succeeded in checking momentarily the headlong rush of the Japanese.
Determined to rescue several of his men trapped in positions overrun by the enemy, he defied intense hostile fire to work
his way through the Japanese to the surrounded marines. Although sustaining 2 severe wounds, he blasted the Japanese who attempted
to intercept him, located his beleaguered men and directed them to their own lines. When 4 of the infiltrating enemy took
possession of an abandoned machinegun pit and subjected his sector to a barrage of hand grenades, 1st Lt. Martin, alone and
armed only with a pistol, boldly charged the hostile position and killed all of its occupants. Realizing that his few remaining
comrades could not repulse another organized attack, he called to his men to follow and then charged into the midst of the
strong enemy force, firing his weapon and scattering them until he fell, mortally wounded by a grenade. By his outstanding
valor, indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious determination in the face of overwhelming odds, 1st Lt. Martin permanently
disrupted a coordinated Japanese attack and prevented a greater loss of life in his own and adjacent platoons. His inspiring
leadership and unswerving devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life in the service of his country.
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Captain Joseph Jeremiah McCarthy |
McCARTHY, JOSEPH JEREMIAH
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 2d Battalion,
24th Marines, 4th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Entered service at: Illinois.
Born: 10 August 1911, Chicago, Ill. 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, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division,
in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Determined to
break through the enemy's cross-island defenses, Capt. McCarthy acted on his own initiative when his company advance was held
up by uninterrupted Japanese rifle, machinegun, and high-velocity 47mm. fire during the approach to Motoyama Airfield No.
2. Quickly organizing a demolitions and flamethrower team to accompany his picked rifle squad, he fearlessly led the way across
75 yards of fire-swept ground, charged a heavily fortified pillbox on the ridge of the front and, personally hurling hand
grenades into the emplacement as he directed the combined operations of his small assault group, completely destroyed the
hostile installation. Spotting 2 Japanese soldiers attempting an escape from the shattered pillbox, he boldly stood upright
in full view of the enemy and dispatched both troops before advancing to a second emplacement under greatly intensified fire
and then blasted the strong fortifications with a well-planned demolitions attack. Subsequently entering the ruins, he found
a Japanese taking aim at 1 of our men and, with alert presence of mind, jumped the enemy, disarmed and shot him with his own
weapon. Then, intent on smashing through the narrow breach, he rallied the remainder of his company and pressed a full attack
with furious aggressiveness until he had neutralized all resistance and captured the ridge. An inspiring leader and indomitable
fighter, Capt. McCarthy consistently disregarded all personal danger during the fierce conflict and, by his brilliant professional
skill, daring tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, contributed materially to the success
of his division's operations against this savagely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His cool decision and outstanding
valor reflect the highest credit upon Capt. McCarthy and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
PHILLIPS, GEORGE
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born
14 July 1926, Rich Hill, Mo. Entered service at: Labadie, Mo. 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, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 14 March 1945. Standing the foxhole
watch while other members of his squad rested after a night of bitter handgrenade fighting against infiltrating Japanese troops,
Pvt. Phillips was the only member of his unit alerted when an enemy handgrenade was tossed into their midst. Instantly shouting
a warning, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge
in his own body and protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Pvt. Phillips willingly yielded
his own life that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy. His superb valor and unfaltering
spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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Pharmacist's Mate First Class Francis Junior Pierce |
PIERCE, FRANCIS JUNIOR
Rank and organization: Pharmacist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy
serving with 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, 15 and 16 March 1945. Entered service
at Iowa Born: 7 December 1924, Earlville, Iowa. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, during the Iwo Jima
campaign, 15 and 16 March 1945. Almost continuously under fire while carrying out the most dangerous volunteer assignments,
Pierce gained valuable knowledge of the terrain and disposition of troops. Caught in heavy enemy rifle and machinegun fire
which wounded a corpsman and 2 of the 8 stretcher bearers who were carrying 2 wounded marines to a forward aid station on
15 March, Pierce quickly took charge of the party, carried the newly wounded men to a sheltered position, and rendered first
aid. After directing the evacuation of 3 of the casualties, he stood in the open to draw the enemy's fire and, with his weapon
blasting, enabled the litter bearers to reach cover. Turning his attention to the other 2 casualties he was attempting to
stop the profuse bleeding of 1 man when a Japanese fired from a cave less than 20 yards away and wounded his patient again.
Risking his own life to save his patient, Pierce deliberately exposed himself to draw the attacker from the cave and destroyed
him with the last of his ammunition Then lifting the wounded man to his back, he advanced unarmed through deadly rifle fire
across 200 feet of open terrain. Despite exhaustion and in the face of warnings against such a suicidal mission, he again
traversed the same fire-swept path to rescue the remaining marine. On the following morning, he led a combat patrol to the
sniper nest and, while aiding a stricken marine, was seriously wounded. Refusing aid for himself, he directed treatment for
the casualty, at the same time maintaining protective fire for his comrades. Completely fearless, completely devoted to the
care of his patients, Pierce inspired the entire battalion. His valor in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the
finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
RUHL, DONALD JACK
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born 2 July 1923, Columbus, Mont. Accredited to: Montana. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman in an assault platoon of Company E, 28th Marines,
5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 21 February 1945. Quick
to press the advantage after 8 Japanese had been driven from a blockhouse on D-day, Pfc. Ruhl single-handedly attacked the
group, killing 1 of the enemy with his bayonet and another by rifle fire in his determined attempt to annihilate the escaping
troops. Cool and undaunted as the fury of hostile resistance steadily increased throughout the night, he voluntarily left
the shelter of his tank trap early in the morning of D-day plus 1 and moved out under a tremendous volume of mortar and machinegun
fire to rescue a wounded marine lying in an exposed position approximately 40 yards forward of the line. Half pulling and
half carrying the wounded man, he removed him to a defiladed position, called for an assistant and a stretcher and, again
running the gauntlet of hostile fire, carried the casualty to an aid station some 300 yards distant on the beach. Returning
to his platoon, he continued his valiant efforts, volunteering to investigate and apparently abandoned Japanese gun emplacement
75 yards forward of the right flank during consolidation of the front lines, and subsequently occupying the position through
the night to prevent the enemy from repossessing the valuable weapon. Pushing forward in the assault against the vast network
of fortifications surrounding Mt. Suribachi the following morning, he crawled with his platoon guide to the top of a Japanese
bunker to bring fire to bear on enemy troops located on the far side of the bunker. Suddenly a hostile grenade landed between
the 2 marines. Instantly Pfc. Ruhl called a warning to his fellow marine and dived on the deadly missile, at-sorbing the full
impact of the shattering explosion in his own body and protecting all within range from the danger of flying fragments although
he might easily have dropped from his position on the edge of the bunker to the ground below. An indomitable fighter, Pfc.
Ruhl rendered heroic service toward the defeat of a ruthless enemy, and his valor, initiative and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice
in the face of almost certain death sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.
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Private Franklin Earl Sigler |
SIGLER, FRANKLIN EARL
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 2d Battalion,
26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 14 March 1945. Entered service at: New Jersey.
Born: 6 November 1924, Glen Ridge, N.J. 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, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy
Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 14 March 1945. Voluntarily taking command of his
rifle squad when the leader became a casualty, Pvt. Sigler fearlessly led a bold charge against an enemy gun installation
which had held up the advance of his company for several days and, reaching the position in advance of the others, assailed
the emplacement with handgrenades and personally annihilated the entire crew. As additional Japanese troops opened fire from
concealed tunnels and caves above, he quickly scaled the rocks leading to the attacking guns, surprised the enemy with a furious
l-man assault and, although severely wounded in the encounter, deliberately crawled back to his squad position where he steadfastly
refused evacuation, persistently directing heavy machinegun and rocket barrages on the Japanese cave entrances. Undaunted
by the merciless rain of hostile fire during the intensified action, he gallantly disregarded his own painful wounds to aid
casualties, carrying 3 wounded squad members to safety behind the lines and returning to continue the battle with renewed
determination until ordered to retire for medical treatment. Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of extreme peril, Pvt.
Sigler, by his alert initiative, unfaltering leadership, and daring tactics in a critical situation, effected the release
of his besieged company from enemy fire and contributed essentially to its further advance against a savagely fighting enemy.
His superb valor, resolute fortitude, and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice throughout reflect the highest credit upon Pvt.
Sigler and the U.S. Naval Service.
STEIN, TONY
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born:
30 September 1921, Dayton, Ohio. Accredited to: Ohio. citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in
action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. The first man of his unit to be
on station after hitting the beach in the initial assault, Cpl. Stein, armed with a personally improvised aircraft-type weapon,
provided rapid covering fire as the remainder of his platoon attempted to move into position. When his comrades were stalled
by a concentrated machinegun and mortar barrage, he gallantly stood upright and exposed himself to the enemy's view, thereby
drawing the hostile fire to his own person and enabling him to observe the location of the furiously blazing hostile guns.
Determined to neutralize the strategically placed weapons, he boldly charged the enemy pillboxes 1 by 1 and succeeded in killing
20 of the enemy during the furious single-handed assault. Cool and courageous under the merciless hail of exploding shells
and bullets which fell on all sides, he continued to deliver the fire of his skillfully improvised weapon at a tremendous
rate of speed which rapidly exhausted his ammunition. Undaunted, he removed his helmet and shoes to expedite his movements
and ran back to the beach for additional ammunition, making a total of 8 trips under intense fire and carrying or assisting
a wounded man back each time. Despite the unrelenting savagery and confusion of battle, he rendered prompt assistance to his
platoon whenever the unit was in position, directing the fire of a half-track against a stubborn pillbox until he had effected
the ultimate destruction of the Japanese fortification. Later in the day, although his weapon was twice shot from his hands,
he personally covered the withdrawal of his platoon to the company position. Stouthearted and indomitable, Cpl. Stein, by
his aggressive initiative sound judgment, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of terrific odds, contributed materially
to the fulfillment of his mission, and his outstanding valor throughout the bitter hours of conflict sustains and enhances
the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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Pharmacist's Mate Second Class George Edward Wahlen |
WAHLEN, GEORGE EDWARD
Rank and organization: Pharmacist's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy,
serving with 2d Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands group, 3 March 1945.
Entered service at: Utah. Born: 8 August 1924, Ogden, Utah. 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, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, during
action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano group on 3 March 1945. Painfully wounded in the bitter action
on 26 February, Wahlen remained on the battlefield, advancing well forward of the frontlines to aid a wounded marine and carrying
him back to safety despite a terrific concentration of fire. Tireless in his ministrations, he consistently disregarded all
danger to attend his fighting comrades as they fell under the devastating rain of shrapnel and bullets, and rendered prompt
assistance to various elements of his combat group as required. When an adjacent platoon suffered heavy casualties, he defied
the continuous pounding of heavy mortars and deadly fire of enemy rifles to care for the wounded, working rapidly in an area
swept by constant fire and treating 14 casualties before returning to his own platoon. Wounded again on 2 March, he gallantly
refused evacuation, moving out with his company the following day in a furious assault across 600 yards of open terrain and
repeatedly rendering medical aid while exposed to the blasting fury of powerful Japanese guns. Stouthearted and indomitable,
he persevered in his determined efforts as his unit waged fierce battle and, unable to walk after sustaining a third agonizing
wound, resolutely crawled 50 yards to administer first aid to still another fallen fighter. By his dauntless fortitude and
valor, Wahlen served as a constant inspiration and contributed vitally to the high morale of his company during critical phases
of this strategically important engagement. His heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming enemy fire upheld
the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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Gunnery Sergeant William Gary Walsh |
WALSH, WILLIAM GARY
Rank and organization: Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 7 April 1922, Roxbury, Mass. Accredited to: Massachusetts. Citation: For extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of an assault platoon, attached to Company G, 3d Battalion,
27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 27 February 1945.
With the advance of his company toward Hill 362 disrupted by vicious machinegun fire from a forward position which guarded
the approaches to this key enemy stronghold, G/Sgt. Walsh fearlessly charged at the head of his platoon against the Japanese
entrenched on the ridge above him, utterly oblivious to the unrelenting fury of hostile automatic weapons fire and handgrenades
employed with fanatic desperation to smash his daring assault. Thrown back by the enemy's savage resistance, he once again
led his men in a seemingly impossible attack up the steep, rocky slope, boldly defiant of the annihilating streams of bullets
which saturated the area. Despite his own casualty losses and the overwhelming advantage held by the Japanese in superior
numbers and dominant position, he gained the ridge's top only to be subjected to an intense barrage of handgrenades thrown
by the remaining Japanese staging a suicidal last stand on the reverse slope. When 1 of the grenades fell in the midst of
his surviving men, huddled together in a small trench, G/Sgt. Walsh, in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly
threw himself upon the deadly bomb, absorbing with his own body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his
extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved his comrades from injury and possible
loss of life and enabled his company to seize and hold this vital enemy position. He gallantly gave his life for his country
.
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Private Wilson Douglas Watson |
WATSON, WILSON DOUGLAS
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 2d Battalion,
9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 and 27 February 1945. Entered service at: Arkansas.
Born: 18 February 1921, Tuscumbia, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as automatic rifleman serving with the 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, during action
against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 and 27 February 1945. With his squad abruptly halted by intense
fire from enemy fortifications in the high rocky ridges and crags commanding the line of advance, Pvt. Watson boldly rushed
1 pillbox and fired into the embrasure with his weapon, keeping the enemy pinned down single-handedly until he was in a position
to hurl in a grenade, and then running to the rear of the emplacement to destroy the retreating Japanese and enable his platoon
to take its objective. Again pinned down at the foot of a small hill, he dauntlessly scaled the jagged incline under fierce
mortar and machinegun barrages and, with his assistant BAR man, charged the crest of the hill, firing from his hip. Fighting
furiously against Japanese troops attacking with grenades and knee mortars from the reverse slope, he stood fearlessly erect
in his exposed position to cover the hostile entrenchments and held the hill under savage fire for 15 minutes, killing 60
Japanese before his ammunition was exhausted and his platoon was able to join him. His courageous initiative and valiant fighting
spirit against devastating odds were directly responsible for the continued advance of his platoon, and his inspiring leadership
throughout this bitterly fought action reflects the highest credit upon Pvt. Watson and the U.S. Naval Service.
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Corporal Hershel Woodrow Williams |
WILLIAMS, HERSHEL WOODROW
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 21st
Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Entered service at: West Virginia.
Born: 2 October 1923, Quiet Dell, W. Va. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against enemy
Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering
vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic
sands, Cpl. Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machinegun fire from the unyielding
positions. Covered only by 4 riflemen, he fought desperately for 4 hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly
returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flamethrowers, struggling back, frequently to
the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out 1 position after another. On 1 occasion, he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert
the nozzle of his flamethrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing the gun; on another he grimly charged
enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon. His unyielding
determination and extraordinary heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance were directly instrumental in neutralizing
one of the most fanatically defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment and aided vitally in enabling his
company to reach its objective. Cpl. Williams' aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely
contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Jack Williams |
WILLIAMS, JACK
Rank and organization: Pharmacist's Mate Third Class, U.S. Naval
Reserve. Born: 18 October 1924, Harrison, Ark. Accredited to: Arkansas. 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 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division,
during the occupation of Iwo Jima Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Gallantly going forward on the frontlines under intense enemy
small-arms fire to assist a marine wounded in a fierce grenade battle, Williams dragged the man to a shallow depression and
was kneeling, using his own body as a screen from the sustained fire as he administered first aid, when struck in the abdomen
and groin 3 times by hostile rifle fire. Momentarily stunned, he quickly recovered and completed his ministration before applying
battle dressings to his own multiple wounds. Unmindful of his own urgent need for medical attention, he remained in the perilous
fire-swept area to care for another marine casualty. Heroically completing his task despite pain and profuse bleeding, he
then endeavored to make his way to the rear in search of adequate aid for himself when struck down by a Japanese sniper bullet
which caused his collapse. Succumbing later as a result of his self-sacrificing service to others, Williams, by his courageous
determination, unwavering fortitude and valiant performance of duty, served as an inspiring example of heroism, in keeping
with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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Pharmacist's Mate First Class John Harlan Willis |
WILLIS, JOHN HARLAN
Rank and organization: Pharmacist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy.
Born: 10 June 1921, Columbia, Tenn. Accredited to: Tennessee. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Platoon Corpsman serving with the 3d Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine
Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. Constantly imperiled
by artillery and mortar fire from strong and mutually supporting pillboxes and caves studding Hill 362 in the enemy's cross-island
defenses, Willis resolutely administered first aid to the many marines wounded during the furious close-in fighting until
he himself was struck by shrapnel and was ordered back to the battle-aid station. Without waiting for official medical release,
he quickly returned to his company and, during a savage hand-to-hand enemy counterattack, daringly advanced to the extreme
frontlines under mortar and sniper fire to aid a marine lying wounded in a shell hole. Completely unmindful of his own danger
as the Japanese intensified their attack, Willis calmly continued to administer blood plasma to his patient, promptly returning
the first hostile grenade which landed in the shell-hole while he was working and hurling back 7 more in quick succession
before the ninth 1 exploded in his hand and instantly killed him. By his great personal valor in saving others at the sacrifice
of his own life, he inspired his companions, although terrifically outnumbered, to launch a fiercely determined attack and
repulse the enemy force. His exceptional fortitude and courage in the performance of duty reflect the highest credit upon
Willis and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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