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| Individual
Citations |
Click the below links for photos and details on each of the
individual citations
- ANDERSON,
Richard Beatty
- CHAMBERS,
Justice M.
- COLE,
Darrell Samuel
- DYESS,
Aquilla James
- GRAY,
Ross Franklin
- JACOBSON,
Douglas Thomas
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- McCARD,
Robert Howard
- McCARTHY,
Joseph Jeremiah
- OZBOURN,
Joseph William
- PIERCE,
Francis Junior
- POWER,
John Vincent
- SORENSON,
Richard Keith
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| ANDERSON,
Richard Beatty |
Rank
and organization:
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps.
Born: 26, June 1921, Tacoma, Wash.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
with Company E, Second Battalion, 23rd Regiment of 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 3 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.
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| CHAMBERS,
Justice M. |
Rank
and organization:|
Colonel. U.S. Marine Corps Reserve,
3rd Assault Battalion Landing Team. 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division.
Born: 2 February 1908, Huntington, W. Va.
Died July 29, 1982
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 regimentalcommander. 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. |
| COLE,
Darrell Samuel |
Rank
and organization:
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 20 July 1920, Flat River, 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. |
| DYESS,
Aquilla James |
Rank
and organization:
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 11 January 1909, Augusta, Ga.
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 (Reinforced),
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
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| GRAY,
Ross Franklin |
Rank
and organization:
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: August 1920, Marvel Valley, Ala.
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. |
| JACOBSON,
Douglas Thomas |
Rank
and organization:
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
3d Battalion, 23d Marines, 4th Marine Division.
Born: 25 November 1925, Rochester, N.Y.
Died: August 20, 2000
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 one of our supporting tanks, and smashed the enemy tank's
gun turret in a brief but furious action culminating a singlehanded
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 sucess of the 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 United States Naval
service. |
| McCARD,
Robert Howard |
Rank
and organization:
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps.
Born: 25 November 1918, Syracuse, N.Y.
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. |
| McCARTHY,
Joseph Jeremiah |
Rank
and organization:
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve,
2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division.
Born: 10 August 1911, Chicago, Ill.
Died June 15, 1996
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. |
| OZBOURN,
Joseph William |
Rank
and organization:
Private, U.S. Marine Corps.
Born: 24 October 1919, Herrin, Ill.
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 2 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 4 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. |
| PIERCE,
Francis Junior |
Rank
and organization:
Pharmacist's Mate First Class.
U.S. Navy serving with 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division.
Born 7 December 1924, Earlville, lowa.
Died December, 21, 1986
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. |
| POWER,
John Vincent |
Rank
and organization:
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps.
Born: 20 November 1918, Worcester, Mass.
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. |
| SORENSON,
Richard Keith |
Rank
and organization:
Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 4th Marine
Division.
Born: 28 August 1924, Anoka, Minn.
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 5 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 |
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