Rank and organization: Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps.
Place and date: Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 26 October 1942.
Entered service at: Pennsylvania.
Born: 31 August 1918, Charleroi, Pa.
Citation: For extraordinary heroism
and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty while
serving with a company of marines in combat against enemy Japanese forces
in the Solomon Islands on 26 October 1942. When the enemy broke through
the line directly in front of his position, P/Sgt. Paige, commanding a
machinegun section with fearless determination, continued to direct the
fire of his gunners until all his men were either killed or wounded. Alone,
against the deadly hail of Japanese shells, he fought with his gun and
when it was destroyed, took over another, moving from gun to gun, never
ceasing his withering fire against the advancing hordes until reinforcements
finally arrived. Then, forming a new line, he dauntlessly and aggressively
led a bayonet charge, driving the enemy back and preventing a breakthrough
in our lines. His great personal valor and unyielding devotion to duty
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
*PARLE, JOHN JOSEPH
Rank and organization: Ensign, U.S. Naval Reserve, U.S.S. LST 375.
Place and date: Sicily, 9-10 July 1943.
Born: 26 May 1920, Omaha, Nebr.
Accredited to: Nebraska.
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.
*PARRISH, LAVERNE
Rank and organization: Technician 4th Grade, U.S. Army, Medical Detachment, 161st Infantry, 25th Infantry Division .
Place and date: Binalonan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 18-24 January 1945.
Entered service at: Ronan, Mont.
Birth: Knox City, Mo.
G.O. No.: 55, 13 July 1945.
Citation: He was medical
aid man with Company C during the fighting in Binalonan, Luzon, Philippine
Islands. On the 18th, he observed 2 wounded men under enemy fire and immediately
went to their rescue. After moving 1 to cover, he crossed 25 yards of open
ground to administer aid to the second. In the early hours of the 24th,
his company, crossing an open field near San Manuel, encountered intense
enemy fire and was ordered to withdraw to the cover of a ditch. While treating
the casualties, Technician Parrish observed 2 wounded still in the field.
Without hesitation he left the ditch, crawled forward under enemy fire,
and in 2 successive trips brought both men to safety. He next administered
aid to 12 casualties in the same field, crossing and re-crossing the open
area raked by hostile fire. Making successive trips, he then brought 3
wounded in to cover. After treating nearly all of the 37 casualties suffered
by his company, he was mortally wounded by mortar fire, and shortly after
was killed. The indomitable spirit, intrepidity, and gallantry of Technician
Parrish saved many lives at the cost of his own.
*PEASE, HARL, JR. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army Air Corps, Heavy Bombardment Squadron.
Place and date: Near Rabaul, New Britain, 6-7 August 1942.
Entered service at: Plymouth, N.H.
Birth: Plymouth, N.H.
G.O. No.: 59, 4 November 1942.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond
the call of duty in action with the enemy on 6-7 August 1942. When 1 engine
of the bombardment airplane of which he was pilot failed during a bombing
mission over New Guinea, Capt. Pease was forced to return to a base in
Australia. Knowing that all available airplanes of his group were to participate
the next day in an attack on an enemy-held airdrome near Rabaul, New Britain,
although he was not scheduled to take part in this mission, Capt. Pease
selected the most serviceable airplane at this base and prepared it for
combat, knowing that it had been found and declared unserviceable for combat
missions. With the members of his combat crew, who volunteered to accompany
him, he rejoined his squadron at Port Moresby, New Guinea, at 1 a.m. on
7 August, after having flown almost continuously since early the preceding
morning. With only 3 hours' rest, he took off with his squadron for the
attack. Throughout the long flight to Rabaul, New Britain, he managed by
skillful flying of his unserviceable airplane to maintain his position
in the group. When the formation was intercepted by about 30 enemy fighter
airplanes before reaching the target, Capt. Pease, on the wing which bore
the brunt of the hostile attack, by gallant action and the accurate shooting
by his crew, succeeded in destroying several Zeros before dropping his
bombs on the hostile base as planned, this in spite of continuous enemy
attacks. The fight with the enemy pursuit lasted 25 minutes until the group
dived into cloud cover. After leaving the target, Capt. Pease's aircraft
fell behind the balance of the group due to unknown difficulties as a result
of the combat, and was unable to reach this cover before the enemy pursuit
succeeded in igniting 1 of his bomb bay tanks. He was seen to drop the
flaming tank. It is believed that Capt. Pease's airplane and crew were
subsequently shot down in flames, as they did not return to their base.
In ??voluntarily performing this mission Capt. Pease contributed materially
to the success of the group, and displayed high devotion to duty, valor,
and complete contempt for personal danger. His undaunted bravery has been
a great insplration to the officers and men of his unit.
*PEDEN, FORREST E.
Rank and organization: Technician 5th Grade, U.S. Army, Battery C, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Biesheim, France, 3 February 1945.
Entered service at: Wathena, Kans.
Birth: St. Joseph, Mo.
G.O. No.: 18, 13 February 1946.
Citation: He was a forward
artillery observer when the group of about 45 infantrymen with whom he
was advancing was ambushed in the uncertain light of a waning moon. Enemy
forces outnumbering the Americans by 4 to 1 poured withering artillery,
mortar, machinegun, and small-arms fire into the stricken unit from the
flanks, forcing our men to seek the cover of a ditch which they found already
occupied by enemy foot troops. As the opposing infantrymen struggled in
hand-to-hand combat, Technician Peden courageously went to the assistance
of 2 wounded soldiers and rendered first aid under heavy fire. With radio
communications inoperative, he realized that the unit would be wiped out
unless help could be secured from the rear. On his own initiative, he ran
800 yards to the battalion command post through a hail of bullets which
pierced his jacket and there secured 2 light tanks to go to the relief
of his hard-pressed comrades. Knowing the terrible risk involved, he climbed
upon the hull of the lead tank and guided it into battle. Through a murderous
concentration of fire the tank lumbered onward, bullets and shell fragments
ricocheting from its steel armor within inches of the completely exposed
rider, until it reached the ditch. As it was about to go into action it
was turned into a flaming pyre by a direct hit which killed Technician
Peden. However, his intrepidity and gallant sacrifice was not in vain.
Attracted by the light from the burning tank, reinforcements found the
beleaguered Americans and drove off the enemy.
*PENDLETON, JACK J.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 120th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Bardenberg, Germany, 12 October 1944.
Entered service at: Yakima, Wash.
Birth: Sentinel Butte, N. Dak.
G.O. No.: 24, 6 April 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 12 October
1944. When Company I was advancing on the town of Bardenberg, Germany,
they reached a point approximately two-thirds of the distance through the
town when they were pinned down by fire from a nest of enemy machineguns.
This enemy strong point was protected by a lone machinegun strategically
placed at an intersection and firing down a street which offered little
or no cover or concealment for the advancing troops. The elimination of
this protecting machinegun was imperative in order that the stronger position
it protected could be neutralized. After repeated and unsuccessful attempts
had been made to knock out this position, S/Sgt. Pendleton volunteered
to lead his squad in an attempt to neutralize this strongpoint. S/Sgt.
Pendleton started his squad slowly forward, crawling about 10 yards in
front of his men in the advance toward the enemy gun. After advancing approximately
130 yards under the withering fire, S/Sgt. Pendleton was seriously wounded
in the leg by a burst from the gun he was assaulting. Disregarding his
grievous wound, he ordered his men to remain where they were, and with
a supply of handgrenades he slowly and painfully worked his way forward
alone. With no hope of surviving the veritable hail of machinegun fire
which he deliberately drew onto himself, he succeeded in advancing to within
10 yards of the enemy position when he was instantly killed by a burst
from the enemy gun. By deliberately diverting the attention of the enemy
machine gunners upon himself, a second squad was able to advance, undetected,
and with the help of S/Sgt. Pendleton's squad, neutralized the lone machinegun,
while another platoon of his company advanced up the intersecting street
and knocked out the machinegun nest which the first gun had been covering.
S/Sgt. Pendleton's sacrifice enabled the entire company to continue the
advance and complete their mission at a critical phase of the action.
*PEREGORY, FRANK D.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company K 116th Infantry, 29th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Grandcampe France, 8 June 1944.
Entered service at: Charlottesville, Va. Born. 10 April 1915, Esmont, Va.
G.O. No.: 43, 30 May 1945.
Citation: On 8 June 1944, the 3d
Battalion of the 116th Infantry was advancing on the strongly held German
defenses at Grandcampe, France, when the leading elements were suddenly
halted by decimating machinegun fire from a firmly entrenched enemy force
on the high ground overlooking the town. After numerous attempts to neutralize
the enemy position by supporting artillery and tank fire had proved ineffective,
T/Sgt. Peregory, on his own initiative, advanced up the hill under withering
fire, and worked his way to the crest where he discovered an entrenchment
leading to the main enemy fortifications 200 yards away. Without hesitating,
he leaped into the trench and moved toward the emplacement. Encountering
a squad of enemy riflemen, he fearlessly attacked them with handgrenades
and bayonet, killed 8 and forced 3 to surrender. Continuing along the trench,
he single-handedly forced the surrender of 32 more riflemen, captured the
machine gunners, and opened the way for the leading elements of the battalion
to advance and secure its objective. The extraordinary gallantry and aggressiveness
displayed by T/Sgt. Peregory are exemplary of the highest tradition of
the armed forces.
*PEREZ, MANUEL, JR.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company A 511th Parachute Infantry, 11th Airborne Division.
Place and date: Fort William McKinley, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 13 February 1945.
Entered service at. Chicago, Ill.
Born: 3 March 1923 Oklahoma City, Okla.
G.O. No.: 124, 27 December 1945.
Citation: He was lead scout for Company A, which had
destroyed 11 of 12 pillboxes in a strongly fortified sector defending the
approach to enemy-held Fort William McKinley on Luzon, Philippine Islands.
In the reduction of these pillboxes, he killed 5 Japanese in the open and
blasted others in pillboxes with grenades. Realizing the urgent need for
taking the last emplacement, which contained 2 twin-mount .50-caliber dual-purpose
machineguns, he took a circuitous route to within 20 yards of the position,
killing 4 of the enemy in his advance. He threw a grenade into the pillbox,
and, as the crew started withdrawing through a tunnel just to the rear
of the emplacement, shot and killed 4 before exhausting his clip. He had
reloaded and killed 4 more when an escaping Japanese threw his rifle with
fixed bayonet at him. In warding off this thrust, his own rifle was knocked
to the ground. Seizing the Jap rifle, he continued firing, killing 2 more
of the enemy. He rushed the remaining Japanese, killed 3 of them with the
butt of the rifle and entered the pillbox, where he bayoneted the 1 surviving
hostile soldier. Single-handedly, he killed 18 of the enemy in neutralizing
the position that had held up the advance of his entire company. Through
his courageous determination and heroic disregard of grave danger, Pfc.
Perez made possible the successful advance of his unit toward a valuable
objective and provided a lasting inspiration for his comrades.
*PETERS, GEORGE J.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company G, 507th Parachute Infantry, 17th Airborne Division.
Place and date: Near Fluren, Germany, 24 March 1945.
Entered service at: Cranston, R.I.
Birth: Cranston, R.I.
G.O. No.: 16, 8 February 1946.
Citation: Pvt. Peters, a platoon radio operator
with Company G, made a descent into Germany near Fluren, east of the Rhine.
With 10 others, he landed in a field about 75 yards from a German machinegun
supported by riflemen, and was immediately pinned down by heavy, direct
fire. The position of the small unit seemed hopeless with men struggling
to free themselves of their parachutes in a hail of bullets that cut them
off from their nearby equipment bundles, when Pvt. Peters stood up without
orders and began a l-man charge against the hostile emplacement armed only
with a rifle and grenades. His single-handed assault immediately drew the
enemy fire away from his comrades. He had run halfway to his objective,
pitting rifle fire against that of the machinegun, when he was struck and
knocked to the ground by a burst. Heroically, he regained his feet and
struggled onward. Once more he was torn by bullets, and this time he was
unable to rise. With gallant devotion to his self-imposed mission, he crawled
directly into the fire that had mortally wounded him until close enough
to hurl grenades which knocked out the machinegun, killed 2 of its operators,
and drove protecting riflemen from their positions into the safety of a
woods. By his intrepidity and supreme sacrifice, Pvt. Peters saved the
lives of many of his fellow soldiers and made it possible for them to reach
their equipment, organize, and seize their first objective.
*PETERSON, GEORGE
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company K, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Eisern, Germany, 30 March 1945.
Entered service at: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Birth: Brooklyn, N.Y.
G.O. No.: 88, 17 October 1945.
Citation: He was an acting platoon sergeant with Company
K, near Eisern, Germany. When his company encountered an enemy battalion
and came under heavy small-arms, machinegun, and mortar fire, the 2d Platoon
was given the mission of flanking the enemy positions while the remaining
units attacked frontally. S/Sgt. Peterson crept and crawled to a position
in the lead and motioned for the 2d Platoon to follow. A mortar shell fell
close by and severely wounded him in the legs, but, although bleeding and
suffering intense pain, he refused to withdraw and continued forward. Two
hostile machineguns went into action at close range. Braving this grazing
fire, he crawled steadily toward the guns and worked his way alone to a
shallow draw, where, despite the hail of bullets, he raised himself to
his knees and threw a grenade into the nearest machinegun nest, silencing
the weapon and killing or wounding all its crew. The second gun was immediately
turned on him, but he calmly and deliberately threw a second grenade which
rocked the position and killed all 4 Germans who occupied it. As he continued
forward he was spotted by an enemy rifleman, who shot him in the arm. Undeterred,
he crawled some 20 yards until a third machinegun opened fire on him. By
almost superhuman effort, weak from loss of blood and suffering great pain,
he again raised himself to his knees and fired a grenade from his rifle,
killing 3 of the enemy guncrew and causing the remaining one to flee. With
the first objective seized, he was being treated by the company aid man
when he observed 1 of his outpost men seriously wounded by a mortar burst.
He wrenched himself from the hands of the aid man and began to crawl forward
to assist his comrade, whom he had almost reached when he was struck and
fatally wounded by an enemy bullet. S/Sgt. Peterson, by his gallant, intrepid
actions, unrelenting fighting spirit, and outstanding initiative, silenced
3 enemy machineguns against great odds and while suffering from severe
wounds, enabling his company to advance with minimum casualties.
*PETERSON, OSCAR VERNER
Rank and organization: Chief Watertender, U.S. Navy, U .S .S. Neosho.
Place and date: Coral Sea, 7 May 1942.
Born: 27 August 1899, Prentice, Wis.
Accredited to: Wisconsin.
Citation: For extraordinary
courage and conspicuous heroism above and beyond the call of duty while
in charge of a repair party during an attack on the U .S .S. Neosho by
enemy Japanese aerial forces on 7 May 1942. Lacking assistance because
of injuries to the other members of his repair party and severely wounded
himself, Peterson, with no concern for his own life, closed the bulkhead
stop valves and in so doing received additional burns which resulted in
his death. His spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty, characteristic of
a fine seaman, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
*PETRARCA, FRANK J.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Medical Detachment, 145th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division.
Place and date: At Horseshoe Hill, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, 27 July 1943.
Entered service at: Cleveland, Ohio.
Birth: Cleveland, Ohio.
G.O. No.: 86, 23 December 1943.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the
call of duty. Pfc. Petrarca advanced with the leading troop element to
within 100 yards of the enemy fortifications where mortar and small-arms
fire caused a number of casualties. Singling out the most seriously wounded,
he worked his way to the aid of Pfc. Scott, Iying within 75 yards of the
enemy, whose wounds were so serious that he could not even be moved out
of the direct line of fire Pfc Petrarca fearlessly administered first aid
to Pfc. Scott and 2 other soldiers and shielded the former until his death.
On 29 July 1943, Pfc. Petrarca. during an intense mortar barrage, went
to the aid of his sergeant who had been partly buried in a foxhole under
the debris of a shell explosion, dug him out, restored him to consciousness
and caused his evacuation. On 31 July 1943 and against the warning of a
fellow soldier, he went to the aid of a mortar fragment casualty where
his path over the crest of a hill exposed him to enemy observation from
only 20 yards distance. A target for intense knee mortar and automatic
fire, he resolutely worked his way to within 2 yards of his objective where
he was mortally wounded by hostile mortar fire. Even on the threshold of
death he continued to display valor and contempt for the foe, raising himself
to his knees, this intrepid soldier shouted defiance at the enemy, made
a last attempt to reach his wounded comrade and fell in glorious death.
PHARRIS, JACKSON CHARLES
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. California.
Place and date: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.
Entered service at: California.
Born: 26 June 1912, Columbus, Ga.
Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while attached to the U.S.S. California during the surprise
enemy Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December
1941. In charge of the ordnance repair party on the third deck when the
first Japanese torpedo struck almost directly under his station, Lt. (then
Gunner) Pharris was stunned and severely injured by the concussion which
hurled him to the overhead and back to the deck. Quickly recovering, he
acted on his own initiative to set up a hand-supply ammunition train for
the antiaircraft guns. With water and oil rushing in where the port bulkhead
had been torn up from the deck, with many of the remaining crewmembers
overcome by oil fumes, and the ship without power and listing heavily to
port as a result of a second torpedo hit, Lt. Pharris ordered the shipfitters
to counterflood. Twice rendered unconscious by the nauseous fumes and handicapped
by his painful injuries, he persisted in his desperate efforts to speed
up the supply of ammunition and at the same time repeatedly risked his
life to enter flooding compartments and drag to safety unconscious shipmates
who were gradually being submerged in oil. By his inspiring leadership,
his valiant efforts and his extreme loyalty to his ship and her crew, he
saved many of his shipmates from death and was largely responsible for
keeping the California in action during the attack. His heroic conduct
throughout this first eventful engagement of World War 11 reflects the
highest credit upon Lt. Pharris and enhances the finest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service.
*PHELPS, WESLEY
Rank and organization: Private, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Place and date: Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 4 October 1944.
Born: 12 June 1923, Neafus, Ky.
Accredited to: Kentucky.
Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau
Group, during a savage hostile counterattack on the night of 4 October
1944. Stationed with another marine in an advanced position when a Japanese
handgrenade landed in his foxhole Pfc. Phelps instantly shouted a warning
to his comrade and rolled over on the deadly bomb, absorbing with his own
body the full, shattering Impact of the exploding charge. Courageous and
indomitable, Pfc. Phelps fearlessly gave his life that another might be
spared serious injury, and his great valor and heroic devotion to duty
in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and
the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
*PHILLIPS, GEORGE
Rank and organization: Private, 2d Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 14 March 1945.
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.
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 lowa
Born: 7 December 1924, Earlville, lowa.
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.
*PINDER, JOHN J., JR.
Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944.
Entered service at: Burgettstown, Pa.
Birth: McKees Rocks, Pa.
G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer,
France. On D-day, Technician 5th Grade Pinder landed on the coast 100 yards
off shore under devastating enemy machinegun and artillery fire which caused
severe casualties among the boatload. Carrying a vitally important radio,
he struggled towards shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his
craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded. Technician 5th
Grade Pinder never stopped. He made shore and delivered the radio. Refusing
to take cover afforded, or to accept medical attention for his wounds,
Technician 5th Grade Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of blood
and in fierce pain, on 3 occasions went into the fire-swept surf to salvage
communication equipment. He recovered many vital parts and equipment, including
another workable radio. On the 3rd trip he was again hit, suffering machinegun
bullet wounds in the legs. Still this valiant soldier would not stop for
rest or medical attention. Remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire, growing
steadily weaker, he aided in establishing the vital radio communication
on the beach. While so engaged this dauntless soldier was hit for the third
time and killed. The indomitable courage and personal bravery of Technician
5th Grade Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he
served.
POPE, EVERETT PARKER
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division.
Place and date: Peleliu Island, Palau group, 19-20 September 1944.
Entered service at: Massachusetts.
Born: 16 July 1919, Milton, Mass.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
as commanding officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island,
Palau group, on 19-20 September 1944. Subjected to pointblank cannon fire
which caused heavy casualties and badly disorganized his company while
assaulting a steep coral hill, Capt. Pope rallied his men and gallantly
led them to the summit in the face of machinegun, mortar, and sniper fire.
Forced by widespread hostile attack to deploy the remnants of his company
thinly in order to hold the ground won, and with his machineguns out of
order and insufficient water and ammunition, he remained on the exposed
hill with 12 men and 1 wounded officer determined to hold through the night.
Attacked continuously with grenades, machineguns, and rifles from 3 sides,
he and his valiant men fiercely beat back or destroyed the enemy, resorting
to hand-to-hand combat as the supply of ammunition dwindled, and still
maintaining his lines with his 8 remaining riflemen when daylight brought
more deadly fire and he was ordered to withdraw. His valiant leadership
against devastating odds while protecting the units below from heavy Japanese
attack reflects the highest credit upon Capt. Pope and the U.S. Naval Service.
*POWER, JOHN VINCENT
Rank and organization. First Lieutenant, 4th Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps.
Place and date: Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944.
Born: 20 November 1918, Worcester, Mass.
Appointed from: Massachusetts.
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.
*POWERS, JOHN JAMES
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Bombing Squadron 5, U.S. Navy.
Place and date: Coral Sea, 4-8 May 1942.
Born: 13 July 1912, New York City, N.Y.
Accredited to: New York.
Other Navy award: Air Medal with 1 gold star.
Citation: For distinguished and conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty,
while pilot of an airplane of Bombing Squadron 5, Lt. Powers participated,
with his squadron, in 5 engagements with Japanese forces in the Coral Sea
area and adjacent waters during the period 4 to 8 May 1942. Three attacks
were made on enemy objectives at or near Tulagi on 4 May. In these attacks
he scored a direct hit which instantly demolished a large enemy gunboat
or destroyer and is credited with 2 close misses, 1 of which severely damaged
a large aircraft tender, the other damaging a 20,000-ton transport. He
fearlessly strafed a gunboat, firing all his ammunition into it amid intense
antiaircraft fire. This gunboat was then observed to be leaving a heavy
oil slick in its wake and later was seen beached on a nearby island. On
7 May, an attack was launched against an enemy airplane carrier and other
units of the enemy's invasion force. He fearlessly led his attack section
of 3 Douglas Dauntless dive bombers, to attack the carrier. On this occasion
he dived in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire, to an altitude well below
the safety altitude, at the risk of his life and almost certain damage
to his own plane, in order that he might positively obtain a hit in a vital
part of the ship, which would insure her complete destruction. This bomb
hit was noted by many pilots and observers to cause a tremendous explosion
engulfing the ship in a mass of flame, smoke, and debris. The ship sank
soon after. That evening, in his capacity as Squadron Gunnery Officer,
Lt. Powers gave a lecture to the squadron on point-of-aim and diving technique.
During this discourse he advocated low release point in order to insure
greater accuracy; yet he stressed the danger not only from enemy fire and
the resultant low pull-out, but from own bomb blast and bomb fragments.
Thus his low-dive bombing attacks were deliberate and premeditated, since
he well knew and realized the dangers of such tactics, but went far beyond
the call of duty in order to further the cause which he knew to be right.
The next morning, 8 May, as the pilots of the attack group left the ready
room to man planes, his indomitable spirit and leadership were well expressed
in his own words, "Remember the folks back home are counting on us.
1 am going to get a hit if 1 have to lay it on their flight deck.'' He
led his section of dive bombers down to the target from an altitude of
18,000 feet, through a wall of bursting antiaircraft shells and into the
face of enemy fighter planes. Again, completely disregarding the safety
altitude and without fear or concern for his safety, Lt. Powers courageously
pressed home his attack, almost to the very deck of an enemy carrier and
did not release his bomb until he was sure of a direct hit. He was last
seen attempting recovery from his dive at the extremely low altitude of
200 feet, and amid a terrific barrage of shell and bomb fragments, smoke,
flame and debris from the stricken vessel.
POWERS, LEO J.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 133d Infantry, 34th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Northwest of Cassino, Italy, 3 February 1944.
Entered service at: Alder Gulch, Mont.
Birth: Anselmo, Nebr.
G.O. No.: 5, 15 January 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 3 February 1944,
this soldier's company was assigned the mission of capturing Hill 175,
the key enemy strong point northwest of Cassino, Italy. The enemy, estimated
to be at least 50 in strength, supported by machineguns emplaced in 3 pillboxes
and mortar fire from behind the hill, was able to pin the attackers down
and inflict 8 casualties. The company was unable to advance, but Pfc. Powers,
a rifleman in 1 of the assault platoons, on his own initiative and in the
face of the terrific fire, crawled forward to assault 1 of the enemy pillboxes
which he had spotted. Armed with 2 handgrenades and well aware that if
the enemy should see him it would mean almost certain death, Pfc. Powers
crawled up the hill to within 15 yards of the enemy pillbox. Then standing
upright in full view of the enemy gunners in order to throw his grenade
into the small opening in the roof, he tossed a grenade into the pillbox.
At this close, the grenade entered the pillbox, killed 2 of the occupants
and 3 or 4 more fled the position, probably wounded. This enemy gun silenced,
the center of the line was able to move forward again, but almost immediately
came under machinegun fire from a second enemy pillbox on the left flank.
Pfc. Powers, however, had located this pillbox, and crawled toward it with
absolutely no cover if the enemy should see him. Raising himself in full
view of the enemy gunners about 15 feet from the pillbox, Pfc. Powers threw
his grenade into the pillbox, silencing this gun, killing another German
and probably wounding 3 or 4 more who fled. Pfc. Powers, still acting on
his own initiative, commenced crawling toward the third enemy pillbox in
the face of heavy machine-pistol and machinegun fire. Skillfully availing
himself of the meager cover and concealment, Pfc. Powers crawled up to
within 10 yards of this pillbox fully exposed himself to the enemy gunners,
stood upright and tossed the 2 grenades into the small opening in the roof
of the pillbox. His grenades killed 2 of the enemy and 4 more, all wounded,
came out and surrendered to Pfc. Powers, who was now unarmed. Pfc. Powers
had worked his way over the entire company front, and against tremendous
odds had single-handedly broken the backbone of this heavily defended and
strategic enemy position, and enabled his regiment to advance into the
city of Cassino. Pfc. Powers' fighting determination and intrepidity in
battle exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.
PRESTON, ARTHUR MURRAY
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Reserve, Torpedo Boat Squadron 33.
Place and date: Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island, 16 September 1944.
Entered service at: Maryland.
Born: 1 November 1913, Washington, D.C.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as commander, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33,
while effecting the rescue of a Navy pilot shot down in Wasile Bay, Halmahera
Island, less than 200 yards from a strongly defended Japanese dock and
supply area, 16 September 1944. Volunteering for a perilous mission unsuccessfully
attempted by the pilot's squadron mates and a PBY plane, Lt. Comdr. (then
Lieutenant) Preston led PT-489 and PT-363 through 60 miles of restricted,
heavily mined waters. Twice turned back while running the gauntlet of fire
from powerful coastal defense guns guarding the 11-mile strait at the entrance
to the bay, he was again turned back by furious fire in the immediate area
of the downed airman. Aided by an aircraft smokescreen, he finally succeeded
in reaching his objective and, under vicious fire delivered at 150-yard
range, took the pilot aboard and cleared the area, sinking a small hostile
cargo vessel with 40-mm. fire during retirement. Increasingly vulnerable
when covering aircraft were forced to leave because of insufficient fuel,
Lt. Comdr. Preston raced PT boats 489 and 363 at high speed for 20 minutes
through shell-splashed water and across minefields to safety. Under continuous
fire for 2l/2 hours, Lt. Comdr. Preston successfully achieved a mission
considered suicidal in its tremendous hazards, and brought his boats through
without personnel casualties and with but superficial damage from shrapnel.
His exceptional daring and great personal valor enhance the finest traditions
of the U.S. Naval Service.
*PRUSSMAN, ERNEST W.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 13th Infantry, 8th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Les Coates, Brittany, France, 8 September 1944.
Entered service at: Brighton, Mass.
Birth: Baltimore, Md.
G.O. No.: 31, 17 April 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 8 September
1944, near Les Coates, Brittany, France. When the advance of the flank
companies of 2 battalions was halted by intense enemy mortar, machinegun,
and sniper fire from a fortified position on his left, Pfc. Prussman maneuvered
his squad to assault the enemy fortifications. Hurdling a hedgerow, he
came upon 2 enemy riflemen whom he disarmed. After leading his squad across
an open field to the next hedgerow, he advanced to a machinegun position,
destroyed the gun, captured its crew and 2 riflemen. Again advancing ahead
of his squad in the assault, he was mortally wounded by an enemy rifleman,
but as he fell to the ground he threw a handgrenade, killing his opponent.
His superb leadership and heroic action at the cost of his life so demoralized
the enemy that resistance at this point collapsed, permitting the 2 battalions
to continue their advance.
*PUCKET, DONALD D. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 98th , Bombardment Group.
Place and date: Ploesti Raid, Rumania, 9 July 1944.
Entered service at: Boulder, Colo.
Birth: Longmont, Colo.
G.O. No.: 48, 23 June 1945.
Citation: He took part in a highly effective attack against
vital oil installation in Ploesti, Rumania, on 9 July 1944. Just after
"bombs away," the plane received heavy and direct hits from antiaircraft
fire. One crewmember was instantly killed and 6 others severely wounded.
The airplane was badly damaged, 2 were knocked out, the control cables
cut, the oxygen system on fire, and the bomb bay flooded with gas and hydraulic
fluid. Regaining control of his crippled plane, 1st Lt. Pucket turned its
direction over to the copilot. He calmed the crew, administered first aid,
and surveyed the damage. Finding the bomb bay doors jammed, he used the
hand crank to open them to allow the gas to escape. He jettisoned all guns
and equipment but the plane continued to lose altitude rapidly. Realizing
that it would be impossible to reach friendly territory he ordered the
crew to abandon ship. Three of the crew, uncontrollable from fright or
shock, would not leave. 1st Lt. Pucket urged the others to jump. Ignoring
their entreaties to follow, he refused to abandon the 3 hysterical men
and was last seen fighting to regain control of the plane. A few moments
later the flaming bomber crashed on a mountainside. 1st Lt. Pucket, unhesitatingly
and with supreme sacrifice, gave his life in his courageous attempt to
save the lives of 3 others.
RAMAGE, LAWSON PATERSON
Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Parche.
Place and date: Pacific, 31 July 1944.
Entered service at: Vermont.
Born: 19 January 1920, Monroe Bridge, Mass.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding
officer of the U.S.S. Parche in a predawn attack on a Japanese convoy,
31 July 1944. Boldly penetrating the screen of a heavily escorted convoy,
Comdr. Ramage launched a perilous surface attack by delivering a crippling
stern shot into a freighter and quickly following up with a series of bow
and stern torpedoes to sink the leading tanker and damage the second one.
Exposed by the light of bursting flares and bravely defiant of terrific
shellfire passing close overhead, he struck again, sinking a transport
by two forward reloads. In the mounting fury of fire from the damaged and
sinking tanker, he calmly ordered his men below, remaining on the bridge
to fight it out with an enemy now disorganized and confused. Swift to act
as a fast transport closed in to ram, Comdr. Ramage daringly swung the
stern of the speeding Parche as she crossed the bow of the onrushing ship,
clearing by less than 50 feet but placing his submarine in a deadly crossfire
from escorts on all sides and with the transport dead ahead. Undaunted,
he sent 3 smashing "down the throat" bow shots to stop the target,
then scored a killing hit as a climax to 46 minutes of violent action with
the Parche and her valiant fighting company retiring victorious and unscathed.
*RAY, BERNARD J.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company F, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany, 17 November 1944.
Entered service at: Baldwin, N.Y.
Birth: Brooklyn, N.Y.
G.O. No.: 115, 8 December 1945.
Citation: He was platoon leader with
Company F, 8th Infantry, on 17 November 1944, during the drive through
the Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany. The American forces attacked
in wet, bitterly cold weather over rough, wooded terrain, meeting brutal
resistance from positions spaced throughout the forest behind minefields
and wire obstacles. Small arms, machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire
caused heavy casualties in the ranks when Company F was halted by a concertina-type
wire barrier. Under heavy fire, 1st Lt. Ray reorganized his men and prepared
to blow a path through the entanglement, a task which appeared impossible
of accomplishment and from which others tried to dissuade him. With implacable
determination to clear the way, he placed explosive caps in his pockets,
obtained several bangalore torpedoes, and then wrapped a length of highly
explosive primer cord about his body. He dashed forward under direct fire,
reached the barbed wire and prepared his demolition charge as mortar shells,
which were being aimed at him alone, came steadily nearer his completely
exposed position. He had placed a torpedo under the wire and was connecting
it to a charge he carried when he was severely wounded by a bursting mortar
shell. Apparently realizing that he would fail in his self-imposed mission
unless he completed it in a few moments he made a supremely gallant decision.
With the primer cord still wound about his body and the explosive caps
in his pocket, he completed a hasty wiring system and unhesitatingly thrust
down on the handle of the charger, destroying himself with the wire barricade
in the resulting blast. By the deliberate sacrifice of his life, 1st Lt.
Ray enabled his company to continue its attack, resumption of which was
of positive significance in gaining the approaches to the Cologne Plain.
*REESE, JAMES W.
Rank and organization. Private, U.S. Army, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: At Mt. Vassillio, Sicily, 5 August 1943.
Entered service at: Chester, Pa.
Birth: Chester, Pa.
G.O. No.: 85, 17 December 1943.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
life. above and beyond the call of duty in action involving actual conflict
with the enemy. When the enemy launched a counterattack which threatened
the position of his company, Pvt. Reese, as the acting squad leader of
a 60-mm. mortar squad, displaying superior leadership on his own initiative,
maneuvered his squad forward to a favorable position, from which, by skillfully
directing the fire of his weapon, he caused many casualties in the enemy
ranks, and aided materially in repulsing the counterattack. When the enemy
fire became so severe as to make his position untenable, he ordered the
other members of his squad to withdraw to a safer position, but declined
to seek safety for himself. So as to bring more effective fire upon the
enemy, Pvt. Reese, without assistance, moved his mortar to a new position
and attacked an enemy machinegun nest. He had only 3 rounds of ammunition
but secured a direct hit with his last round, completely destroying the
nest and killing the occupants. Ammunition being exhausted, he abandoned
the mortar. seized a rifle and continued to advance, moving into an exposed
position overlooking the enemy. Despite a heavy concentration of machinegun,
mortar, and artillery fire, the heaviest experienced by his unit throughout
the entire Sicilian campaign, he remained at this position and continued
to inflict casualties upon the enemy until he was killed. His bravery,
coupled with his gallant and unswerving determination to close with the
enemy, regardless of consequences and obstacles which he faced, are a priceless
inspiration to our armed forces.
*REESE, JOHN N., JR.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Paco Railroad Station, Manila, Philippine Islands. 9 February 1945.
Entered service at: Pryor, Okla.
Birth: Muskogee, Okla.
G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945.
Citation: He
was engaged in the attack on the Paco Railroad Station, which was strongly
defended by 300 determined enemy soldiers with machineguns and rifles,
supported by several pillboxes, 3 20mm. guns, 1 37-mm. gun and heavy mortars.
While making a frontal assault across an open field, his platoon was halted
100 yards from the station by intense enemy fire. On his own initiative
he left the platoon. accompanied by a comrade, and continued forward to
a house 60 yards from the objective. Although under constant enemy observation.
the 2 men remained in this position for an hour, firing at targets of opportunity,
killing more than 35 Japanese and wounding many more. Moving closer to
the station and discovering a group of Japanese replacements attempting
to reach pillboxes, they opened heavy fire, killed more than 40 and stopped
all subsequent attempts to man the emplacements. Enemy fire became more
intense as they advanced to within 20 yards of the station. From that point
Pfc. Reese provided effective covering fire and courageously drew enemy
fire to himself while his companion killed 7 Japanese and destroyed a 20-mm.
gun and heavy machinegun with handgrenades. With their ammunition running
low, the 2 men started to return to the American lines, alternately providing
covering fire for each other as they withdrew. During this movement, Pfc.
Reese was killed by enemy fire as he reloaded his rifle. The intrepid team,
in 21/2 hours of fierce fighting, killed more than 82 Japanese, completely
disorganized their defense and paved the way for subsequent complete defeat
of the enemy at this strong point. By his gallant determination in the
face of tremendous odds, aggressive fighting spirit, and extreme heroism
at the cost of his life, Pfc. Reese materially aided the advance of our
troops in Manila and providing a lasting inspiration to all those with
whom he served.
*REEVES, THOMAS JAMES
Rank and organization: Radio Electrician (Warrant Officer) U.S. Navy, U.S.S. California.
Place and date: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.
Birth: 9 December 1895, Thomaston, Conn.
Accredited to: Connecticut.
Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, extraordinary
courage and disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet
in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. After the mechanized
ammunition hoists were put out of action in the U.S.S. California, Reeves,
on his own initiative, in a burning passageway, assisted in the maintenance
of an ammunition supply by hand to the antiaircraft guns until he was overcome
by smoke and fire, which resulted in his death.
*RICKETTS, MILTON ERNEST
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Yorktown.
Place and date: Coral Sea, 8 May 1942
Born: 5 August 1913, Baltimore, Md.
Appointed from: Maryland.
Citation: For extraordinary and distinguished
gallantry above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of the
Engineering Repair Party of the U.S.S. Yorktown in action against enemy
Japanese forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. During the
severe bombarding of the Yorktown by enemy Japanese forces, an aerial bomb
passed through and exploded directly beneath the compartment in which Lt.
Ricketts' battle station was located, killing, wounding or stunning all
of his men and mortally wounding him. Despite his ebbing strength, Lt.
Ricketts promptly opened the valve of a near-by fireplug, partially led
out the fire hose and directed a heavy stream of water into the fire before
dropping dead beside the hose. His courageous action, which undoubtedly
prevented the rapid spread of fire to serious proportions, and his unflinching
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
*RIORDAN, PAUL F.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 34th Infantry Division
Place and date: Near Cassino, Italy, 3-8 February 1944.
Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo.
Birth: Charles City, lowa.
G.O. No.: 74, 11 September 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond
the call of duty. In the attack on the approaches to the city of Cassino
on 3 February 1944, 2d Lt. Riordan led 1 of the assault platoons. Attacking
Hill 175, his command was pinned down by enemy machinegun fire from the
hill and from a pillbox about 45 yards to the right of the hill. In the
face of intense fire, 2d Lt. Riordan moved out in full view of the enemy
gunners to reach a position from where he could throw a handgrenade into
the pillbox. Then, getting to his knees, he hurled the grenade approximately
45 yards, scoring a direct hit. The grenade killed 1 and wounded the other
2 Germans in the nest and silenced the gun. Another soldier then cleaned
out the enemy pillboxes on the hill itself, and the company took its objective.
Continuing the assault into Cassino itself on 8 February 1944, 2d Lt. Riordan
and his platoon were given the mission of taking the city jail house, one
of the enemy's several strongpoints. Again 2d Lt. Riordan took the lead
and managed to get through the ring of enemy fire covering the approaches
and reached the building. His platoon, however, could not get through the
intense fire and was cut off. 2d Lt. Riordan, aware that his men were unable
to follow, determined to carry on single-handed, but the numerically superior
enemy force was too much for him to overcome, and he was killed by enemy
small-arms fire after disposing of at least 2 of the defenders. 2d Lt.
Riordan's bravery and extraordinary heroism in the face of almost certain
death were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions
of the U.S. Armed Forces.
*ROAN, CHARLES HOWARD
Rank and organization: Private First Class, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Place and date: Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944.
Birth: 16 August 1923, Claude, Tex.
Accredited to. Texas.
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu,
Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. Shortly after his leader ordered a withdrawal
upon discovering that the squad was partly cut off from their company as
a result of the rapid advance along an exposed ridge during an aggressive
attack on the strongly entrenched enemy, Pfc. Roan and his companions were
suddenly engaged in a furious exchange of handgrenades by Japanese forces
emplaced in a cave on higher ground and to the rear of the squad. Seeking
protection with 4 other marines in a depression in the rocky, broken terrain,
Pfc. Roan was wounded by an enemy grenade which fell close to their position
and, immediately realizing the eminent peril to his comrades when another
grenade landed in the midst of the group, unhesitatingly flung himself
upon it, covering it with his body and absorbing the full impact of the
explosion. By his prompt action and selfless conduct in the face of almost
certain death, he saved the lives of 4 men. His great personal valor reflects
the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his comrades.
*ROBINSON, JAMES E., JR.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Battery A, 861st Field Artillery Battalion, 63d Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Untergriesheim, Germany, 6 April 1945.
Entered service at: Waco, Tex.
Birth: Toledo, Ohio.
G.O. No.: 117, 11 December 1945.
Citation: He was a field
artillery forward observer attached to Company A, 253d Infantry, near Untergriesheim,
Germany, on 6 April 1945. Eight hours of desperate fighting over open terrain
swept by German machinegun, mortar, and small-arms fire had decimated Company
A, robbing it of its commanding officer and most of its key enlisted personnel
when 1st Lt. Robinson rallied the 23 remaining uninjured riflemen and a
few walking wounded, and, while carrying his heavy radio for communication
with American batteries, led them through intense fire in a charge against
the objective. Ten German infantrymen in foxholes threatened to stop the
assault, but the gallant leader killed them all at point-blank range with
rifle and pistol fire and then pressed on with his men to sweep the area
of all resistance. Soon afterward he was ordered to seize the defended
town of Kressbach. He went to each of the 19 exhausted survivors with cheering
words, instilling in them courage and fortitude, before leading the little
band forward once more. In the advance he was seriously wounded in the
throat by a shell fragment, but, despite great pain and loss of blood,
he refused medical attention and continued the attack, directing supporting
artillery fire even though he was mortally wounded. Only after the town
had been taken and he could no longer speak did he leave the command he
had inspired in victory and walk nearly 2 miles to an aid station where
he died from his wound. By his intrepid leadership 1st Lt. Robinson was
directly responsible for Company A's accomplishing its mission against
tremendous odds.
RODRIGUEZ, CLETO
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant (then Private), U.S. Army, Company B, 148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Paco Railroad Station, Manila, Philippine Islands, 9 February 1945.
Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex.
Birth: San Marcos, Tex.
G.O. No.: 97, 1 November 1945.
Citation: He was an automatic rifleman when his unit attacked the
strongly defended Paco Railroad Station during the battle for Manila, Philippine
Islands. While making a frontal assault across an open field, his platoon
was halted 100 yards from the station by intense enemy fire. On his own
initiative, he left the platoon, accompanied by a comrade, and continued
forward to a house 60 yards from the objective. Although under constant
enemy observation, the 2 men remained in this position for an hour, firing
at targets of opportunity, killing more than 35 hostile soldiers and wounding
many more. Moving closer to the station and discovering a group of Japanese
replacements attempting to reach pillboxes, they opened heavy fire, killed
more than 40 and stopped all subsequent attempts to man the emplacements.
Enemy fire became more intense as they advanced to within 20 yards of the
station. Then, covered by his companion, Pvt. Rodriguez boldly moved up
to the building and threw 5 grenades through a doorway killing 7 Japanese,
destroying a 20-mm. gun and wrecking a heavy machinegun. With their ammunition
running low, the 2 men started to return to the American lines, alternately
providing covering fire for each other's withdrawal. During this movement,
Pvt. Rodriguez' companion was killed. In 2 l/2 hours of fierce fighting
the intrepid team killed more than 82 Japanese, completely disorganized
their defense, and paved the way for the subsequent overwhelming defeat
of the enemy at this strongpoint. Two days later, Pvt. Rodriguez again
enabled his comrades to advance when he single-handedly killed 6 Japanese
and destroyed a well-placed 20-mm. gun by his outstanding skill with his
weapons, gallant determination to destroy the enemy, and heroic courage
in the face of tremendous odds, Pvt. Rodriguez, on 2 occasions, materially
aided the advance of our troops in Manila.
*ROEDER, ROBERT E.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Mt. Battaglia, Italy, 27-28 September 1944.
Entered service at: Summit Station, Pa.
Birth: Summit Station, Pa.
G.O. No.: 31, 17 April 1945.
Citation: for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Roeder commanded
his company in defense of the strategic Mount Battaglia. Shortly after
the company had occupied the hill, the Germans launched the first of a
series of determined counterattacks to regain this dominating height. Completely
exposed to ceaseless enemy artillery and small-arms fire, Capt. Roeder
constantly circulated among his men, encouraging them and directing their
defense against the persistent enemy. During the sixth counterattack, the
enemy, by using flamethrowers and taking advantage of the fog, succeeded
in overrunning the position Capt. Roeder led his men in a fierce battle
at close quarters, to repulse the attack with heavy losses to the Germans.
The following morning, while the company was engaged in repulsing an enemy
counterattack in force, Capt. Roeder was seriously wounded and rendered
unconscious by shell fragments. He was carried to the company command post,
where he regained consciousness. Refusing medical treatment, he insisted
on rejoining his men although in a weakened condition, Capt. Roeder dragged
himself to the door of the command post and, picking up a rifle, braced
himself in a sitting position. He began firing his weapon, shouted words
of encouragement, and issued orders to his men. He personally killed 2
Germans before he himself was killed instantly by an exploding shell. Through
Capt. Roeder's able and intrepid leadership his men held Mount Battaglia
against the aggressive and fanatical enemy attempts to retake this important
and strategic height. His valorous performance is exemplary of the fighting
spirit of the U.S. Army.
*ROOKS, ALBERT HAROLD
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Houston.
Place and date: Java Sea, 4-27 February 1942.
Born: 29 December 1891, Colton, Wash.
Appointed from: Washington.
Citation: for extraordinary heroism,
outstanding courage, gallantry in action and distinguished service in the
line of his profession, as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Houston during
the period 4 to 27 February 1942, while in action with superior Japanese
enemy aerial and surface forces. While proceeding to attack an enemy amphibious
expedition, as a unit in a mixed force, Houston was heavily attacked by
bombers; after evading 4 attacks, she was heavily hit in a fifth attack,
lost 60 killed and had 1 turret wholly disabled. Capt. Rooks made his ship
again seaworthy and sailed within 3 days to escort an important reinforcing
convoy from Darwin to Koepang, Timor, Netherlands East Indies. While so
engaged, another powerful air attack developed which by Houston's marked
efficiency was fought off without much damage to the convoy. The commanding
general of all forces in the area thereupon canceled the movement and Capt.
Rooks escorted the convoy back to Darwin. Later, while in a considerable
American-British-Dutch force engaged with an overwhelming force of Japanese
surface ships, Houston with H.M.S. Exeter carried the brunt of the battle,
and her fire alone heavily damaged 1 and possibly 2 heavy cruisers. Although
heavily damaged in the actions, Capt. Rooks succeeded in disengaging his
ship when the flag officer commanding broke off the action and got her
safely away from the vicinity, whereas one-half of the cruisers were lost.
*ROOSEVELT, THEODORE, JR.
Rank and organization: Brigadier General, U.S. Army.
Place and date: Normandy invasion, 6 June 1944.
Entered service at: Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Birth: Oyster Bay, N.Y.
G.O. No.: 77, 28 September 1944.
Citation: for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France .
ROSS, DONALD KIRBY
Rank and organization: Machinist, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Nevada.
Place and date: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.
Entered service at: Denver, Colo.
Born: 8 December 1910, Beverly, Kans.
Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage and disregard of his own life during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. When his station in the forward dynamo room of the U.S.S. Nevada became almost untenable due to smoke, steam, and heat, Machinist Ross forced his men to leave that station and performed all the duties himself until blinded and unconscious. Upon being rescued and resuscitated, he returned and secured the forward dynamo room and proceeded to the after dynamo room where he was later again rendered unconscious by exhaustion. Again recovering consciousness he returned to his station where he remained until directed to abandon it.
ROSS, WILBURN K.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company G, 350th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near St. Jacques, France, 30 October 1944.
Entered service at: Strunk, Ky.
Birth: Strunk, Ky.
G.O. No.: 30, 14 April 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty near St. Jacques, France. At 11:30 a.m. on 30 October 1944, after his company had lost 55 out of 88 men in an attack on an entrenched. full-strength German company of elite mountain troops, Pvt. Ross placed his light machinegun 10 yards in advance of the foremost supporting riflemen in order to absorb the initial impact of an enemy counterattack. With machinegun and small-arms fire striking the earth near him, he fired with deadly effect on the assaulting force and repelled it. Despite the hail of automatic fire and the explosion of rifle grenades within a stone's throw of his position, he continued to man his machinegun alone, holding off 6 more German attacks. When the eighth assault was launched, most of his supporting riflemen were out of ammunition. They took positions in echelon behind Pvt. Ross and crawled up, during the attack, to extract a few rounds of ammunition from his machinegun ammunition belt. Pvt. Ross fought on virtually without assistance and, despite the fact that enemy grenadiers crawled to within 4 yards of his position in an effort to kill him with handgrenades, he again directed accurate and deadly fire on the hostile force and hurled it back. After expending his last rounds, Pvt. Ross was advised to withdraw to the company command post, together with 8 surviving riflemen, but, as more ammunition was expected, he declined to do so. The Germans launched their last all-out attack, converging their fire on Pvt. Ross in a desperate attempt to destroy the machinegun which stood between them and a decisive breakthrough. As his supporting riflemen fixed bayonets for a last-ditch stand, fresh ammunition arrived and was brought to Pvt. Ross just as the advance assault elements were about to swarm over his position. He opened murderous fire on the oncoming enemy; killed 40 and wounded 10 of the attacking force; broke the assault single-handedly, and forced the Germans to withdraw. Having killed or wounded at least 58 Germans in more than 5 hours of continuous combat and saved the remnants of his company from destruction, Pvt. Ross remained at his post that night and the following day for a total of 36 hours. His actions throughout this engagement were an inspiration to his comrades and maintained the high traditions of the military service.
ROUH, CARLTON ROBERT
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.
Place and date: Peleliu Island, Palau group, 15 September 1944.
Entered service at: New Jersey.
Birth: 11 May 1919, Lindenwold, N.J.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
while attached to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division,
during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau group,
15 September 1944. Before permitting his men to use an enemy dugout as
a position for an 81-mm. mortar observation post, 1st Lt. Rouh made a personal
reconnaissance of the pillbox and, upon entering, was severely wounded
by Japanese rifle fire from within. Emerging from the dugout, he was immediately
assisted by 2 marines to a less exposed area but, while receiving first
aid, was further endangered by an enemy grenade which was thrown into their
midst. Quick to act in spite of his weakened condition, he lurched to a
crouching position and thrust both men aside, placing his own body between
them and the grenade and taking the full blast of the explosion himself.
His exceptional spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice in the face of almost
certain death reflects the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Rouh and the U.S.
Naval Service.
RUDOLPH, DONALD E.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company E, 20th Infantry, 6th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Munoz, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 5 February 1945.
Entered service at: Minneapolis, Minn.
Birth: South Haven, Minn.
G.O. No.: 77, 10 September 1945.
Citation: 2d Lt. Rudolph
(then T/Sgt.) was acting as platoon leader at Munoz, Luzon, Philippine
Islands. While administering first aid on the battlefield, he observed
enemy fire issuing from a nearby culvert. Crawling to the culvert with
rifle and grenades, he killed 3 of the enemy concealed there. He then worked
his way across open terrain toward a line of enemy pillboxes which had
immobilized his company. Nearing the first pillbox, he hurled a grenade
through its embrasure and charged the position. With his bare hands he
tore away the wood and tin covering, then dropped a grenade through the
opening, killing the enemy gunners and destroying their machinegun. Ordering
several riflemen to cover his further advance, 2d Lt. Rudolph seized a
pick mattock and made his way to the second pillbox. Piercing its top with
the mattock, he dropped a grenade through the hole, fired several rounds
from his rifle into it and smothered any surviving enemy by sealing the
hole and the embrasure with earth. In quick succession he attacked and
neutralized 6 more pillboxes. Later, when his platoon was attacked by an
enemy tank, he advanced under covering fire, climbed to the top of the
tank and dropped a white phosphorus grenade through the turret, destroying
the crew. Through his outstanding heroism, superb courage, and leadership,
and complete disregard for his own safety, 2d Lt. Rudolph cleared a path
for an advance which culminated in one of the most decisive victories of
the Philippine campaign.
*RUHL, DONALD JACK
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company E, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division.
Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19-21 February 1945.
Birth: 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 Iying 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.
RUIZ, ALEJANDRO R. RENTERIA
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 165th Infantry, 27th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 28 April 1945.
Entered service at: Carlsbad, N. Mex.
Birth: Loving, N. Mex.
G.O. No.: 60, 26 June 1946.
Citation: When his unit was stopped by a skillfully
camouflaged enemy pillbox, he displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty. His squad, suddenly brought under a
hail of machinegun fire and a vicious grenade attack, was pinned down.
Jumping to his feet, Pfc. Ruiz seized an automatic rifle and lunged through
the flying grenades and rifle and automatic fire for the top of the emplacement.
When an enemy soldier charged him, his rifle jammed. Undaunted, Pfc. Ruiz
whirled on his assailant and clubbed him down. Then he ran back through
bullets and grenades, seized more ammunition and another automatic rifle,
and again made for the pillbox. Enemy fire now was concentrated on him,
but he charged on, miraculously reaching the position, and in plain view
he climbed to the top. Leaping from 1 opening to another, he sent burst
after burst into the pillbox, killing 12 of the enemy and completely destroying
the position. Pfc. Ruiz's heroic conduct, in the face of overwhelming odds,
saved the lives of many comrades and eliminated an obstacle that long would
have checked his unit's advance.
*SADOWSKI, JOSEPH J.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division.
Place and date: Valhey, France, 14 September 1944.
Entered service at: Perth Amboy, N.J.
Birth: Perth Amboy, N.J.
G.O. No.: 32, 23 April 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty at Valhey, France. On
the afternoon of 14 September 1944, Sgt. Sadowski as a tank commander was
advancing with the leading elements of Combat Command A, 4th Armored Division,
through an intensely severe barrage of enemy fire from the streets and
buildings of the town of Valhey. As Sgt. Sadowski's tank advanced through
the hail of fire, it was struck by a shell from an 88-mm. gun fired at
a range of 20 yards. The tank was disabled and burst into flames. The suddenness
of the enemy attack caused confusion and hesitation among the crews of
the remaining tanks of our forces. Sgt. Sadowski immediately ordered his
crew to dismount and take cover in the adjoining buildings. After his crew
had dismounted, Sgt. Sadowski discovered that 1 member of the crew, the
bow gunner, had been unable to leave the tank. Although the tank was being
subjected to a withering hail of enemy small-arms, bazooka, grenade, and
mortar fire from the streets and from the windows of adjacent buildings,
Sgt. Sadowski unhesitatingly returned to his tank and endeavored to pry
up the bow gunner's hatch. While engaged in this attempt to rescue his
comrade from the burning tank, he was cut down by a stream of machinegun
fire which resulted in his death. The gallant and noble sacrifice of his
life in the aid of his comrade, undertaken in the face of almost certain
death, so inspired the remainder of the tank crews that they pressed forward
with great ferocity and completely destroyed the enemy forces in this town
without further loss to themselves. The heroism and selfless devotion to
duty displayed by Sgt. Sadowski, which resulted in his death, inspired
the remainder of his force to press forward to victory, and reflect the
highest tradition of the armed forces.
*SARNOSKI, JOSEPH R. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 43rd Bomber Group,
Place and date: Over Buka Area, Solomon Islands, 16 June 1943.
Entered service at: Simpson, Pa.
Birth: 30 January 1915, Simpson, Pa.
G.O. No.: 85, 17 December 1943.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 16 June
1943, 2d Lt. Sarnoski volunteered as bombardier of a crew on an important
photographic mapping mission covering the heavily defended Buka area, Solomon
Islands. When the mission was nearly completed, about 20 enemy fighters
intercepted. At the nose guns, 2d Lt. Sarnoski fought off the first attackers,
making it possible for the pilot to finish the plotted course. When a coordinated
frontal attack by the enemy extensively damaged his bomber, and seriously
injured 5 of the crew, 2d Lt. Sarnoski, though wounded, continued firing
and shot down 2 enemy planes. A 20-millimeter shell which burst in the
nose of the bomber knocked him into the catwalk under the cockpit. With
indomitable fighting spirit, he crawled back to his post and kept on firing
until he collapsed on his guns. 2d Lt. Sarnoski by resolute defense of
his aircraft at the price of his life, made possible the completion of
a vitally important mission.
*SAYERS, FOSTER J.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company L, 357th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Thionville, France, 12 November 1944.
Entered service at: Howard, Pa.
Birth: Marsh Creek, Pa.
G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945.
Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry
above and beyond the call of duty in combat on 12 November 1944, near Thionville,
France. During an attack on strong hostile forces entrenched on a hill
he fearlessly ran up the steep approach toward his objective and set up
his machinegun 20 yards from the enemy. Realizing it would be necessary
to attract full attention of the dug-in Germans while his company crossed
an open area and flanked the enemy, he picked up his gun, charged through
withering machinegun and rifle fire to the very edge of the emplacement,
and there killed 12 German soldiers with devastating close-range fire.
He took up a position behind a log and engaged the hostile infantry from
the flank in an heroic attempt to distract their attention while his comrades
attained their objective at the crest of the hill. He was killed by the
very heavy concentration of return fire; but his fearless assault enabled
his company to sweep the hill with minimum of casualties, killing or capturing
every enemy soldier on it. Pfc. Sayers' indomitable fighting spirit, aggressiveness,
and supreme devotion to duty live on as an example of the highest traditions
of the military service.
SCHAEFER, JOSEPH E.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Stolberg, Germany, 24 September 1944.
Entered service at: Long Island, N.Y.
Birth: New York, N.Y.
G.O. No.: 71, 22 August 1945.
Citation: He was in charge of a squad of the 2d
Platoon in the vicinity of Stolberg, Germany, early in the morning of 24
September 1944, when 2 enemy companies supported by machineguns launched
an attack to seize control of an important crossroads which was defended
by his platoon. One American squad was forced back, another captured, leaving
only S/Sgt. Schaefer's men to defend the position. To shift his squad into
a house which would afford better protection, he crawled about under heavy
small-arms and machinegun fire, instructed each individual, and moved to
the building. A heavy concentration of enemy artillery fire scored hits
on his strong point. S/Sgt. Schaefer assigned his men to positions and
selected for himself the most dangerous one at the door. With his Ml rifle,
he broke the first wave of infantry thrown toward the house. The Germans
attacked again with grenades and flame throwers but were thrown back a
second time, S/Sgt. Schaefer killing and wounding several. Regrouped for
a final assault, the Germans approached from 2 directions. One force drove
at the house from the front, while a second group advanced stealthily along
a hedgerow. Recognizing the threat, S/Sgt. Schaefer fired rapidly at the
enemy before him, killing or wounding all 6; then, with no cover whatever,
dashed to the hedgerow and poured deadly accurate shots into the second
group, killing 5, wounding 2 others, and forcing the enemy to withdraw.
He scoured the area near his battered stronghold and captured 10 prisoners.
By this time the rest of his company had begun a counterattack; he moved
forward to assist another platoon to regain its position. Remaining in
the lead, crawling and running in the face of heavy fire, he overtook the
enemy, and liberated the American squad captured earlier in the battle.
In all, single-handed and armed only with his rifle, he killed between
15 and 20 Germans, wounded at least as many more, and took 10 prisoners.
S/Sgt. Schaefer's indomitable courage and his determination to hold his
position at all costs were responsible for stopping an enemy break-through.
SCHAUER, HENRY
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, 23-24 May 1944.
Entered service at: Scobey, Mont.
Birth: 9 October 1918, Clinton, Okla.
G.O. No.: 83, 27 October 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 23 May 1944, at 12
noon, Pfc. (now T/Sgt.) Schauer left the cover of a ditch to engage 4 German
snipers who opened fire on the patrol from its rear. Standing erect he
walked deliberately 30 yards toward the enemy, stopped amid the fire from
4 rifles centered on him, and with 4 bursts from his BAR, each at a different
range, killed all of the snipers. Catching sight of a fifth sniper waiting
for the patrol behind a house chimney, Pfc. Schauer brought him down with
another burst. Shortly after, when a heavy enemy artillery concentration
and 2 machineguns temporarily halted the patrol, Pfc. Schauer again left
cover to engage the enemy weapons single-handed. While shells exploded
within 15 yards, showering dirt over him, and strings of grazing German
tracer bullets whipped past him at chest level, Pfc. Schauer knelt, killed
the 2 gunners of the machinegun only 60 yards from him with a single burst
from his BAR, and crumpled 2 other enemy soldiers who ran to man the gun.
Inserting a fresh magazine in his BAR, Pfc. Schauer shifted his body to
fire at the other weapon 500 yards distant and emptied his weapon into
the enemy crew, killing all 4 Germans. Next morning, when shells from a
German Mark VI tank and a machinegun only 100 yards distant again forced
the patrol to seek cover, Pfc. Schauer crawled toward the enemy machinegun.
stood upright only 80 yards from the weapon as its bullets cut the surrounding
ground, and 4 tank shells fired directly at him burst within 20 yards.
Raising his BAR to his shoulder, Pfc. Schauer killed the 4 members of the
German machinegun crew with 1 burst of fire.
SCHONLAND, HERBERT EMERY
Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. San Francisco
Place and date: Savo Island, 12-13 November 1943.
Entered service at: Maine.
Birth: 7 September 1900, Portland, Maine.
Citation: For extreme heroism
and courage above and beyond the call of duty as damage control officer
of the U.S.S. San Francisco in action against greatly superior enemy forces
in the battle off Savo Island, 12-13 November 1942. In the same violent
night engagement in which all of his superior officers were killed or wounded,
Lt. Comdr. Schonland was fighting valiantly to free the San Francisco of
large quantities of water flooding the second deck compartments through
numerous shell holes caused by enemy fire. Upon being informed that he
was commanding officer, he ascertained that the conning of the ship was
being efficiently handled, then directed the officer who had taken over
that task to continue while he himself resumed the vitally important work
of maintaining the stability of the ship. In water waist deep, he carried
on his efforts in darkness illuminated only by hand lanterns until water
in flooded compartments had been drained or pumped off and watertight integrity
had again been restored to the San Francisco. His great personal valor
and gallant devotion to duty at great peril to his own life were instrumental
in bringing his ship back to port under her own power, saved to fight again
in the service of her country.
*SCHWAB, ALBERT EARNEST
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Place and date: Okinawa Shima, Rykuyu Islands, 7 May 1945.
Birth: 17 July 1920, Washington, D.C.
Entered service at: Tulsa, Okla.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as a flamethrower operator in action against
enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Rykuyu Islands, 7 May 1945.
Quick to take action when his company was pinned down in a valley and suffered
resultant heavy casualties under blanketing machinegun fire emanating from
a high ridge to the front, Pfc. Schwab, unable to flank the enemy emplacement
because of steep cliffs on either side, advanced up the face of the ridge
in bold defiance of the intense barrage and, skillfully directing the fire
of his flamethrower, quickly demolished the hostile gun position, thereby
enabling his company to occupy the ridge. Suddenly a second enemy machinegun
opened fire, killing and wounding several marines with its initial bursts.
Estimating with split-second decision the tactical difficulties confronting
his comrades, Pfc. Schwab elected to continue his l-man assault despite
a diminished supply of fuel for his flamethrower. Cool and indomitable,
he moved forward in the face of a direct concentration of hostile fire,
relentlessly closed the enemy position and attacked. Although severely
wounded by a final vicious blast from the enemy weapon, Pfc. Schwab had
succeeded in destroying 2 highly strategic Japanese gun positions during
a critical stage of the operation and, by his dauntless, single-handed
efforts, had materially furthered the advance of his company. His aggressive
initiative, outstanding valor and professional skill throughout the bitter
conflict sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
*SCOTT, NORMAN
Rank and organization: Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy.
Place and date: Solomon Islands, 11-12 October 1942 and 12-13 November 1942.
Birth: 10 August 1889, Indianapolis, Ind.
Appointed from: Indiana.
Citation: For extraordinary
heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during
action against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the night of 11-12
October and again on the night of 12-13 November 1942. In the earlier action,
intercepting a Japanese Task Force intent upon storming our island positions
and landing reinforcements at Guadalcanal, Rear Adm. Scott, with courageous
skill and superb coordination of the units under his command, destroyed
8 hostile vessels and put the others to flight. Again challenged, a month
later, by the return of a stubborn and persistent foe, he led his force
into a desperate battle against tremendous odds, directing close-range
operations against the invading enemy until he himself was killed in the
furious bombardment by their superior firepower. On each of these occasions
his dauntless initiative, inspiring leadership and judicious foresight
in a crisis of grave responsibility contributed decisively to the rout
of a powerful invasion fleet and to the consequent frustration of a formidable
Japanese offensive. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
*SCOTT, ROBERT R .
Rank and organization: Machinist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy.
Place and date: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.
Birth: 13 July 1915, Massillon, Ohio.
Accredited to Ohio.
Citation: For conspicuous
devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own
life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet
in Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. The compartment,
in the U.S.S. California, in which the air compressor, to which Scott was
assigned as his battle station, was flooded as the result of a torpedo
hit. The remainder of the personnel evacuated that compartment but Scott
refused to leave, saying words to the effect "This is my station and
I will stay and give them air as long as the guns are going.''
SCOTT, ROBERT S.
Rank and organization: Captain (then Lieutenant), U.S. Army, 172d Infantry, 43d Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Munda Air Strip, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, 29 July 1943.
Entered service at: Santa Fe, N. Mex.
Birth: Washington, D.C.
G.O. No.: 81, 14 October 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty near Munda Airstrip, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 29 July
1943. After 27 days of bitter fighting, the enemy held a hilltop salient
which commanded the approach to Munda Airstrip. Our troops were exhausted
from prolonged battle and heavy casualties, but Lt. Scott advanced with
the leading platoon of his company to attack the enemy position, urging
his men forward in the face of enemy rifle and enemy machinegun fire. He
had pushed forward alone to a point midway across the barren hilltop within
75 yards of the enemy when the enemy launched a desperate counterattack,
which f successful would have gained undisputed possession of the hill.
Enemy riflemen charged out on the plateau, firing and throwing grenades
as they moved to engage our troops. The company withdrew, but Lt. Scott,
with only a blasted tree stump for cover, stood his ground against the
wild enemy assault. By firing his carbine and throwing the grenades in
his possession he momentarily stopped the enemy advance using the brief
respite to obtain more grenades. Disregarding small-arms fire and exploding
grenades aimed at him, suffering a bullet wound in the left hand and a
painful shrapnel wound in the head after his carbine had been shot from
his hand, he threw grenade after grenade with devastating accuracy until
the beaten enemy withdrew. Our troops, inspired to renewed effort by Lt.
Scott's intrepid stand and incomparable courage, swept across the plateau
to capture the hill, and from this strategic position 4 days later captured
Munda Airstrip.
SHEA, CHARLES W.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company F, 350th Infantry. 88th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Mount Damiano, Italy, 12 May 1944.
Entered service at: New York, N.Y.
Birth: New York, NY.
G.O. No.: 4, 12 January 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, on 12 May 1944, near
Mount Damiano, Italy. As 2d Lt. Shea and his company were advancing toward
a hill occupied by the enemy, 3 enemy machineguns suddenly opened fire,
inflicting heavy casualties upon the company and halting its advance. 2d
Lt. Shea immediately moved forward to eliminate these machinegun nests
in order to enable his company to continue its attack. The deadly hail
of machinegun fire at first pinned him down, but, boldly continuing his
advance, 2d Lt. Shea crept up to the first nest. Throwing several hand
grenades, he forced the 4 enemy soldiers manning this position to surrender,
and disarming them, he sent them to the rear. He then crawled to the second
machinegun position, and after a short fire fight forced 2 more German
soldiers to surrender. At this time, the third machinegun fired at him,
and while deadly small arms fire pitted the earth around him, 2d Lt. Shea
crawled toward the nest. Suddenly he stood up and rushed the emplacement
and with well-directed fire from his rifle, he killed all 3 of the enemy
machine gunners. 2d Lt. Shea's display of personal valor was an inspiration
to the officers and men of his company.
*SHERIDAN, CARL V.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company K, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Frenzenberg Castle, Weisweiler, Germany, 26 November 1944.
Entered service at: Baltimore, Md.
Birth: Baltimore, Md.
G.O. No.: 43, 30 May 1445.
Citation: Attached to the 2d Battalion of
the 47th Infantry on 26 November 1944, for the attack on Frenzenberg Castle,
in the vicinity of Weisweiler, Germany, Company K, after an advance of
1,000 yards through a shattering barrage of enemy artillery and mortar
fire, had captured 2 buildings in the courtyard of the castle but was left
with an effective fighting strength of only 35 men. During the advance,
Pfc. Sheridan, acting as a bazooka gunner, had braved the enemy fire to
stop and procure the additional rockets carried by his ammunition bearer
who was wounded. Upon rejoining his company in the captured buildings,
he found it in a furious fight with approximately 70 enemy paratroopers
occupying the castle gate house. This was a solidly built stone structure
surrounded by a deep water-filled moat 20 feet wide. The only approach
to the heavily defended position was across the courtyard and over a drawbridge
leading to a barricaded oaken door. Pfc. Sheridan, realizing that his bazooka
was the only available weapon with sufficient power to penetrate the heavy
oak planking, with complete disregard for his own safety left the protection
of the buildings and in the face of heavy and intense small-arms and grenade
fire, crossed the courtyard to the drawbridge entrance where he could bring
direct fire to bear against the door. Although handicapped by the lack
of an assistant, and a constant target for the enemy fire that burst around
him, he skillfully and effectively handled his awkward weapon to place
two well-aimed rockets into the structure. Observing that the door was
only weakened, and realizing that a gap must be made for a successful assault,
he loaded his last rocket, took careful aim, and blasted a hole through
the heavy planks. Turning to his company he shouted, "Come on, let's
get them!" With his .45 pistol blazing, he charged into the gaping
entrance and was killed by the withering fire that met him. The final assault
on Frezenberg Castle was made through the gap which Pfc. Sheridan gave
his life to create.
*SHOCKLEY, WILLIAM R.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company L, 128th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division.
Place and date: Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 31 March 1945.
Entered service at: Selma, Calif.
Birth: Bokoshe, Okla.
G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945.
Citation: He was in position
with his unit on a hill when the enemy, after a concentration of artillery
fire, launched a counterattack.. He maintained his position under intense
enemy fire and urged his comrades to withdraw, saying that he would "remain
to the end" to provide cover. Although he had to clear two stoppages
which impeded the reloading of his weapon, he halted one enemy charge.
Hostile troops then began moving in on his left flank, and he quickly shifted
his gun to fire on them. Knowing that the only route of escape was being
cut off by the enemy, he ordered the remainder of his squad to withdraw
to safety and deliberately remained at his post. He continued to fire until
he was killed during the ensuing enemy charge. Later, 4 Japanese were found
dead in front of his position. Pfc. Shockley, facing certain death, sacrificed
himself to save his fellow soldiers, but the heroism and gallantry displayed
by him enabled his squad to reorganize and continue its attack.
SHOMO, WILLIAM A. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps, 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.
Place and date: Over Luzon, Philippine Islands, 11 January 1945.
Entered service at: Westmoreland County, Pa.
Birth: Jeannette, Pa.
G.O. No.: 25, 7 April 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Maj. Shomo was
lead pilot of a flight of 2 fighter planes charged with an armed photographic
and strafing mission against the Aparri and Laoag airdromes. While en route
to the objective, he observed an enemy twin engine bomber, protected by
12 fighters, flying about 2,500 feet above him and in the opposite direction
Although the odds were 13 to 2, Maj. Shomo immediately ordered an attack.
Accompanied by his wingman he closed on the enemy formation in a climbing
turn and scored hits on the leading plane of the third element, which exploded
in midair. Maj. Shomo then attacked the second element from the left side
of the formation and shot another fighter down in flames. When the enemy
formed for Counterattack, Maj. Shomo moved to the other side of the formation
and hit a third fighter which exploded and fell. Diving below the bomber
he put a burst into its underside and it crashed and burned. Pulling up
from this pass he encountered a fifth plane firing head on and destroyed
it. He next dived upon the first element and shot down the lead plane;
then diving to 300 feet in pursuit of another fighter he caught it with
his initial burst and it crashed in flames. During this action his wingman
had shot down 3 planes, while the 3 remaining enemy fighters had fled into
a cloudbank and escaped. Maj. Shomo's extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity
in attacking such a far superior force and destroying 7 enemy aircraft
in one action is unparalleled in the southwest Pacific area.
*SHOUP, CURTIS F
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 346th Infantry, 87th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Tillet, Belgium, 7 January 1945.
Entered service at: Buffalo, N.Y.
Birth: Napenoch, N.Y.
G.0. No.: 60, 25 July 1945.
Citation: On 7 January 1945, near Tillet, Belgium, his
company attacked German troops on rising ground. Intense hostile machinegun
fire pinned down and threatened to annihilate the American unit in an exposed
position where frozen ground made it impossible to dig in for protection.
Heavy mortar and artillery fire from enemy batteries was added to the storm
of destruction falling on the Americans. Realizing that the machinegun
must be silenced at all costs, S/Sgt. Shoup, armed with an automatic rifle,
crawled to within 75 yards of the enemy emplacement. He found that his
fire was ineffective from this position, and completely disregarding his
own safety, stood up and grimly strode ahead into the murderous stream
of bullets, firing his low-held weapon as he went. He was hit several times
and finally was knocked to the ground. But he struggled to his feet and
staggered forward until close enough to hurl a grenade, wiping out the
enemy machinegun nest with his dying action. By his heroism, fearless determination,
and supreme sacrifice, S/Sgt. Shoup eliminated a hostile weapon which threatened
to destroy his company and turned a desperate situation into victory.
SHOUP, DAVID MONROE
Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, commanding officer of all Marine Corps troops on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, and Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 22 November 1943.
Place and date: Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, 20-22 November 1943.
Entered service at: Indiana.
Birth: 30 December 1904, Tippecanoe, Ind.
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 2 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
.
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.
Birth: 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.
SILK, EDWARD A.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company E, 398th Infantry, 100th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near St. Pravel, France, 23 November 1944.
Entered service at: Johnstown, Pa.
Birth: 8 June 1916, Johnstown, Pa.
G.O. No.: 97, 1 November 1945.
Citation: 1st Lt. Edward
A. Silk commanded the weapons platoon of Company E, 398th Infantry, on
23 November 1944, when the end battalion was assigned the mission of seizing
high ground overlooking Moyenmoutier France, prior to an attack on the
city itself. His company jumped off in the lead at dawn and by noon had
reached the edge of a woods in the vicinity of St. Pravel where scouts
saw an enemy sentry standing guard before a farmhouse in a valley below.
One squad, engaged in reconnoitering the area, was immediately pinned down
by intense machinegun and automatic-weapons fire from within the house.
Skillfully deploying his light machinegun section, 1st Lt. Silk answered
enemy fire, but when 15 minutes had elapsed with no slackening of resistance,
he decided to eliminate the strong point by a l-man attack. Running 100
yards across an open field to the shelter of a low stone wall directly
in front of the farmhouse, he fired into the door and windows with his
carbine; then, in full view of the enemy, vaulted the wall and dashed 50
yards through a hail of bullets to the left side of the house, where he
hurled a grenade through a window, silencing a machinegun and killing 2
gunners. In attempting to move to the right side of the house he drew fire
from a second machinegun emplaced in the woodshed. With magnificent courage
he rushed this position in the face of direct fire and succeeded in neutralizing
the weapon and killing the 2 gunners by throwing grenades into the structure.
His supply of grenades was by now exhausted, but undaunted, he dashed back
to the side of the farmhouse and began to throw rocks through a window,
demanding the surrender of the remaining enemy. Twelve Germans, overcome
by his relentless assault and confused by his unorthodox methods, gave
up to the lone American. By his gallant willingness to assume the full
burden of the attack and the intrepidity with which he carried out his
extremely hazardous mission, 1st Lt. Silk enabled his battalion to continue
its advance and seize its objective.
SJOGREN, JOHN C.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 160th Infantry, 40th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near San Jose Hacienda, Negros, Philippine Islands, 23 May 1945.
Entered service at: Rockford, Mich.
Birth: Rockford, Mich.
G.O. No.: 97, 1 November 1945.
Citation: He led an attack
against a high precipitous ridge defended by a company of enemy riflemen,
who were entrenched in spider holes and supported by well-sealed pillboxes
housing automatic weapons with interlocking bands of fire. The terrain
was such that only 1 squad could advance at one time; and from a knoll
atop a ridge a pillbox covered the only approach with automatic fire. Against
this enemy stronghold, S/Sgt. Sjogren led the first squad to open the assault.
Deploying his men, he moved forward and was hurling grenades when he saw
that his next in command, at the opposite flank, was gravely wounded. Without
hesitation he crossed 20 yards of exposed terrain in the face of enemy
fire and exploding dynamite charges, moved the man to cover and administered
first aid. He then worked his way forward and, advancing directly into
the enemy fire, killed 8 Japanese in spider holes guarding the approach
to the pillbox. Crawling to within a few feet of the pillbox while his
men concentrated their bullets on the fire port, he began dropping grenades
through the narrow firing slit. The enemy immediately threw 2 or 3 of these
unexploded grenades out, and fragments from one wounded him in the hand
and back. However, by hurling grenades through the embrasure faster then
the enemy could return them, he succeeded in destroying the occupants.
Despite his wounds, he directed his squad to follow him in a systematic
attack on the remaining positions, which he eliminated in like manner,
taking tremendous risks, overcoming bitter resistance, and never hesitating
in his relentless advance. To silence one of the pillboxes, he wrenched
a light machinegun out through the embrasure as it was firing before blowing
up the occupants with handgrenades. During this action, S/Sgt. Sjogren,
by his heroic bravery, aggressiveness, and skill as a soldier, single-handedly
killed 43 enemy soldiers and destroyed 9 pillboxes, thereby paving the
way for his company's successful advance.
SKAGGS, LUTHER, JR.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division.
Place and date: Asan-Adelup beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, 21 -22 July 1944.
Entered service at: Kentucky.
Birth: 3 March 1923, Henderson, Ky.
Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving as squad leader with a mortar section of a rifle
company in the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, during action
against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup beachhead, Guam, Marianas
Islands, 21 -22 July 1944. When the section leader became a casualty under
a heavy mortar barrage shortly after landing, Pfc. Skaggs promptly assumed
command and led the section through intense fire for a distance of 200
yards to a position from which to deliver effective coverage of the assault
on a strategic cliff. Valiantly defending this vital position against strong
enemy counterattacks during the night, Pfc. Skaggs was critically wounded
when a Japanese grenade lodged in his foxhole and exploded, shattering
the lower part of one leg. Quick to act, he applied an improvised tourniquet
and, while propped up in his foxhole, gallantly returned the enemy's fire
with his rifle and handgrenades for a period of 8 hours, later crawling
unassisted to the rear to continue the fight until the Japanese had been
annihilated. Uncomplaining and calm throughout this critical period, Pfc.
Skaggs served as a heroic example of courage and fortitude to other wounded
men and, by his courageous leadership and inspiring devotion to duty, upheld
the high traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
SLATON, JAMES D.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Oliveto, Italy, 23 September 1943.
Entered service at: Gulfport, Miss.
Birth: 2 April 1912, Laurel, Miss
G.O. No.: 44, 30 May 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy
in the vicinity of Oliveto, Italy, on 23 September 1943. Cpl. Slaton was
lead scout of an infantry squad which had been committed to a flank to
knock out enemy resistance which had succeeded in pinning 2 attacking platoons
to the ground. Working ahead of his squad, Cpl. Slaton crept upon an enemy
machinegun nest and, assaulting it with his bayonet, succeeded in killing
the gunner. When his bayonet stuck, he detached it from the rifle and killed
another gunner with rifle fire. At that time he was fired upon by a machinegun
to his immediate left. Cpl. Slaton then moved over open ground under constant
fire to within throwing distance, and on his second try scored a direct
hit on the second enemy machinegun nest, killing 2 enemy gunners. At that
time a third machinegun fired on him 100 yards to his front, and Cpl. Slaton
killed both of these enemy gunners with rifle fire. As a result of Cpl.
Slaton's heroic action in immobilizing 3 enemy machinegun nests with bayonet,
grenade, and rifle fire, the 2 rifle platoons which were receiving heavy
casualties from enemy fire were enabled to withdraw to covered positions
and again take the initiative. Cpl. Slaton withdrew under mortar fire on
order of his platoon leader at dusk that evening. The heroic actions of
Cpl. Slaton were far above and beyond the call of duty and are worthy of
emulation.
*SMITH, FURMAN L.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Lanuvio, Italy, 31 May 1944.
Entered service at: Central, S.C.
Birth: Six Miles, S.C.
G.O. No.: 6, 24 January 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty. In its attack on a strong point,
an infantry company was held up by intense enemy fire. The group to which
Pvt. Smith belonged was far in the lead when attacked by a force of 80
Germans. The squad leader and 1 other man were seriously wounded and other
members of the group withdrew to the company position, but Pvt. Smith refused
to leave his wounded comrades. He placed them in the shelter of shell craters
and then alone faced a strong enemy counterattack, temporarily checking
it by his accurate rifle fire at close range, killing and wounding many
of the foe. Against overwhelming odds, he stood his ground until shot down
and killed, rifle in hand.
SMITH, JOHN LUCIAN
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Fighter Squadron 223,
Place and date: In the Solomon Islands area, August-September 1942.
Entered service at: Oklahoma.
Birth: 26 December 1914, Lexington, Okla.
Other Navy award: Legion of Merit.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and heroic achievement in aerial combat above and beyond the call of duty
as commanding officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 223 during operations
against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area, August-September
1942. Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and daring attacks, Maj.
Smith led his squadron against a determined force, greatly superior in
numbers, personally shooting down 16 Japanese planes between 21 August
and 15 September 1942. In spite of the limited combat experience of many
of the pilots of this squadron, they achieved the notable record of a total
of 83 enemy aircraft destroyed in this period, mainly attributable to the
thorough training under Maj. Smith and to his intrepid and inspiring leadership.
His bold tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, and the valiant and zealous
fortitude of the men of his command not only rendered the enemy's attacks
ineffective and costly to Japan, but contributed to the security of our
advance base. His loyal and courageous devotion to duty sustains and enhances
the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
SMITH, MAYNARD H. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization. Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 423d Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bomber Group.
Place and date: Over Europe, 1 May 1943.
Entered service at: Cairo, Mich.
Birth: 1911, Cairo Mich.
G.O. No.: 38, 12 July 1943.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
above and beyond the call of duty. The aircraft of which Sgt. Smith was
a gunner was subjected to intense enemy antiaircraft fire and determined
fighter airplane attacks while returning from a mission over enemy-occupied
continental Europe on 1 May 1943. The airplane was hit several times by
antiaircraft fire and cannon shells of the fighter airplanes, 2 of the
crew were seriously wounded, the aircraft's oxygen system shot out, and
several vital control cables severed when intense fires were ignited simultaneously
in the radio compartment and waist sections. The situation became so acute
that 3 of the crew bailed out into the comparative safety of the sea. Sgt.
Smith, then on his first combat mission, elected to fight the fire by himself,
administered first aid to the wounded tail gunner, manned the waist guns,
and fought the intense flames alternately. The escaping oxygen fanned the
fire to such intense heat that the ammunition in the radio compartment
began to explode, the radio, gun mount, and camera were melted, and the
compartment completely gutted. Sgt. Smith threw the exploding ammunition
overboard, fought the fire until all the firefighting aids were exhausted,
manned the workable guns until the enemy fighters were driven away, further
administered first aid to his wounded comrade, and then by wrapping himself
in protecting cloth, completely extinguished the fire by hand. This soldier's
gallantry in action, undaunted bravery, and loyalty to his aircraft and
fellow crewmembers, without regard for his own personal safety, is an inspiration
to the U.S. Armed Forces.
SODERMAN, WILLIAM A.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company K, 9th Infantry, 2d Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Rocherath, Belgium, 17 December 1944.
Entered service at: West Haven, Conn.
Birth: West Haven, Conn.
G.O. No.: 97, 1 November 1945.
Citation: Armed with a bazooka, he
defended a key road junction near Rocherath, Belgium, on 17 December 1944,
during the German Ardennes counteroffensive. After a heavy artillery barrage
had wounded and forced the withdrawal of his assistant, he heard enemy
tanks approaching the position where he calmly waited in the gathering
darkness of early evening until the 5 Mark V tanks which made up the hostile
force were within pointblank range. He then stood up, completely disregarding
the firepower that could be brought to bear upon him, and launched a rocket
into the lead tank, setting it afire and forcing its crew to abandon it
as the other tanks pressed on before Pfc. Soderman could reload. The daring
bazookaman remained at his post all night under severe artillery, mortar,
and machinegun fire, awaiting the next onslaught, which was made shortly
after dawn by 5 more tanks Running along a ditch to meet them, he reached
an advantageous point and there leaped to the road in full view of the
tank gunners, deliberately aimed his weapon and disabled the lead tank.
The other vehicles, thwarted by a deep ditch in their attempt to go around
the crippled machine, withdrew. While returning to his post Pfc. Soderman,
braving heavy fire to attack an enemy infantry platoon from close range,
killed at least 3 Germans and wounded several others with a round from
his bazooka. By this time, enemy pressure had made Company K's position
untenable. Orders were issued for withdrawal to an assembly area, where
Pfc. Soderman was located when he once more heard enemy tanks approaching.
Knowing that elements of the company had not completed their disengaging
maneuver and were consequently extremely vulnerable to an armored attack,
he hurried from his comparatively safe position to meet the tanks. Once
more he disabled the lead tank with a single rocket, his last; but before
he could reach cover, machinegun bullets from the tank ripped into his
right shoulder. Unarmed and seriously wounded he dragged himself along
a ditch to the American lines and was evacuated. Through his unfaltering
courage against overwhelming odds, Pfc. Soderman contributed in great measure
to the defense of Rocherath, exhibiting to a superlative degree the intrepidity
and heroism with which American soldiers met and smashed the savage power
of the last great German offensive
SORENSON, RICHARD KEITH
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 4th Marine Division.
Place and date: Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll Marshall Islands, 1 -2 February 1944.
Entered service at: Minnesota.
Birth: 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 I
