302 Awards Compiled & Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

World War II

Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)

4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2d Marine Division

Date of Action: July 07, 1944

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Harold Christ Agerholm, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Fourth Battalion, Tenth Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 7 July 1944. When the enemy launched a fierce, determined counterattack against our positions and overran a neighboring artillery battalion, Private First Class Agerholm immediately volunteered to assist in the efforts to check the hostile attack and evacuate our wounded. Locating and appropriating an abandoned ambulance jeep, he repeatedly made extremely perilous trips under heavy rifle and mortar fire and single-handedly loaded and evacuated approximately 45 casualties, working tirelessly and with utter disregard for his own safety during a grueling period of more than three hours. Despite intense, persistent enemy fire, he ran out to aid two men whom he believed to be wounded Marines but was himself mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while carrying out his hazardous mission. Private First Class Agerholm's brilliant initiative, great personal valor and self-sacrificing efforts in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 1/29/1925 at Racine, Wisconsin

Home Town: Racine, Wisconsin

*Anderson, Richard Beatty

Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps

Company E, 2d Battalion, 23d Marines, 4th Marine Division

Date of Action: February 01, 1944

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Richard Beatty Anderson, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, Fourth Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Entering a shell crater occupied by three other Marines, Private First Class Anderson was preparing to throw a grenade at an enemy position when it slipped from his hands and rolled toward the men at the bottom of the hole. With insufficient time to retrieve the armed weapon and throw it, Private First Class Anderson fearlessly chose to sacrifice himself and save his companions by hurling his body upon the grenade and taking the full impact of the explosion. His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 6/26/1921 at Tacoma, Washington

Home Town: Tacoma, Washington

*Bailey, Kenneth Dillon

Major, U.S. Marine Corps

Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion,

Date of Action: September 12 & 13, 1942

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Kenneth Dillon Bailey, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary courage and heroic conduct above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Marine Raider Battalion, during the enemy Japanese attack on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 12 and 13 September 1942. Completely reorganized following the severe engagement of the night before, Major Bailey's company, within an hour after taking its assigned position as reserve battalion between the main line and the coveted airport, was threatened on the right flank by the penetration of the enemy into a gap in the main line. In addition to repulsing this threat, while steadily improving his own desperately held position, he used every weapon at his command to cover the forced withdrawal of the main line before a hammering assault by superior enemy forces. After rendering invaluable service to the battalion commander in stemming the retreat, reorganizing the troops and extending the reverse position to the left, Major Bailey, despite a severe head wound, repeatedly led his troops in fierce hand-to-hand combat for a period of ten hours. His great personal valor while exposed to constant and merciless enemy fire, and his indomitable fighting spirit inspired his troops to heights of heroic endeavor which enabled them to repulse the enemy and hold Henderson Field. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Born: 10/21/1910 at Pawnee, Oklahoma

Home Town: Pawnee, Illinois

*Basilone, John "Manila John"

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division

Date of Action: October 24 & 25, 1942

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to John "Manila John" Basilone, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in the Lunga Area. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sergeant Basilone, in charge of two sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sergeant Basilone's sections, with its guncrews, was put out of action, leaving only two men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sergeant Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Born: 11/4/1916 at Buffalo, New York

Home Town: Raritan, New Jersey

A popular WWII hero known as "Manila John", John Basilone returned to combat in the Pacific and was killed in action at Iwo Jima, earning the Navy Cross for his heroism there.

*Bauer, Harold William "Indian Joe"

Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Fighting Squadron 212 (VMF-212),

Date of Action: May 10 - November 14, 1942

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Harold William "Indian Joe" Bauer, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage as Squadron Commander of Marine Fighting Squadron Two Hundred Twelve in the South Pacific Area during the period 10 May to 14 November 1942. Volunteering to pilot a fighter plane in defense of our positions on Guadalcanal, Lieutenant Colonel Bauer participated in two air battles against enemy bombers and fighters outnumbering our force more than two-to-one, boldly engaged the enemy and destroyed one Japanese bomber in the engagement of 28 September and shot down four enemy fighter planes in flames on 3 October, leaving a fifth smoking badly. After successfully leading 26 planes on an over-water ferry flight of more than 600 miles on 16 October, Lieutenant Colonel Bauer, while circling to land, sighted a squadron of enemy planes attacking the U.S.S. McFarland. Undaunted by the formidable opposition and with valor above and beyond the call of duty, he engaged the entire squadron and, although alone and his fuel supply nearly exhausted, fought his plane so brilliantly that four of the Japanese planes were destroyed before he was forced down by lack of fuel. His intrepid fighting spirit and distinctive ability as a leader and an airman, exemplified in his splendid record of combat achievement, were vital factors in the successful operations in the South Pacific Area.

Born: 11/20/1908 at Woodruff, Kansas

Home Town: Alma, Nebraska

*Bausell, Lewis Kenneth

Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division

Date of Action: September 15, 1944

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Lewis Kenneth Bausell, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944. Valiantly placing himself at the head of his squad, Corporal Bausell led the charge forward against a hostile pillbox which was covering a vital sector of the beach and, as the first to reach the emplacement, immediately started firing his automatic into the aperture while the remainder of his men closed in on the enemy. Swift to act, as a Japanese grenade was hurled into their midst, Corporal Bausell threw himself on the deadly weapon, taking the full blast of the explosion and sacrificing his own life to save his men. His unwavering loyalty and inspiring courage reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Bausell and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 4/17/1924 at Pulaski, Virginia

Home Town: Washington, D.C.

*Berry, Charles Joseph

Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division

Date of Action: March 03, 1945

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Charles Joseph Berry, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as member of a machinegun crew, serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. Stationed in the front lines, Corporal Berry manned his weapon with alert readiness as he maintained a constant vigil with other members of his guncrew during the hazardous night hours. When infiltrating Japanese soldiers launched a surprise attack shortly after midnight in an attempt to overrun his position, he engaged in a pitched hand grenade duel, returning the dangerous weapons with prompt and deadly accuracy until an enemy grenade landed in the foxhole. Determined to save his comrades, he unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice himself and immediately dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Corporal Berry fearlessly yielded his own life that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless battle against a ruthless enemy and his superb valor and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 7/10/1923 at Lorain, Ohio

Home Town: Lorain, Ohio

*Bonnyman, Alexander "Sandy"

First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)

2d Battalion Shore Party, 8th Marines, 2d Marine Division

Date of Action: November 20 - 22, 1943

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Alexander "Sandy" Bonnyman, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion Shore Party, Eighth Marines, Second Marine Division, during the assault against enemy Japanese-held Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands, 20-22 November 1943. Acting on his own initiative when assault troops were pinned down at the far end of Betio Pier by the overwhelming fire of Japanese shore batteries, First Lieutenant Bonnyman repeatedly defied the blasting fury of the enemy bombardment to organize and lead the besieged men over the long, open pier to the beach and then, voluntarily obtaining flame throwers and demolitions, organized his pioneer shore party into assault demolitionists and directed the blowing of several hostile installations before the close of D-day. Determined to effect an opening in the enemy's strongly organized defense line the following day, he voluntarily crawled approximately 40 yards forward of our lines and placed demolitions in the entrance of a large Japanese emplacement as the initial move in his planned attack against the heavily garrisoned, bombproof installation which was stubbornly resisting despite the destruction early in the action of a large number of Japanese who had been inflicting heavy casualties on our forces and holding up our advance. Withdrawing only to replenish his ammunition, he led his men in a renewed assault, fearlessly exposing himself to the merciless slash of hostile fire as he stormed the formidable bastion, directed the placement of demolition charges in both entrances and seized the top of the bombproof position, flushing more than 100 of the enemy who were instantly cut down, and effecting the annihilation of approximately 150 troops inside the emplacement. Assailed by additional Japanese after he had gained his objective, he made a heroic stand on the edge of the structure, defending his strategic position with indomitable determination in the face of the desperate charge and killing three of the enemy before he fell, mortally wounded. By his dauntless fighting spirit, unrelenting aggressiveness and forceful leadership throughout three days of unremitting, violent battle, First Lieutenant Bonnyman had inspired his men to heroic effort, enabling them to beat off the counterattack and break the back of hostile resistance in that sector for an immediate gain of 400 yards with no further casualties to our forces in this zone. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 5/2/1910 at Atlanta, Georgia

Home Town: Santa Fe, New Mexico

*Bordelon, William James

Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

1st Battalion, 18th Marines, 2d Marine Division (Attached)

Date of Action: November 20, 1943

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to William James Bordelon, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as a member of an assault engineer platoon of the First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, tactically attached to the Second Marine Division, in action against the Japanese-held atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands on 20 November 1943. Landing in the assault waves under withering enemy fire which killed all but four of the men in his tractor, Staff Sergeant Bordelon hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put two pillboxes out of action. Hit by enemy machinegun fire just as a charge exploded in his hand while assaulting a third position, he courageously remained in action and, although out of demolition, provided himself with a rifle and furnished fire coverage for a group of men scaling the seawall. Disregarding his own serious condition, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of one of his demolition men, wounded and calling for help in the water, rescuing this man and another who had been hit by enemy fire while attempting to make the rescue. Still refusing first aid for himself, he again made up demolition charges and single-handedly assaulted a fourth Japanese machinegun position but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the enemy. Staff Sergeant Bordelon's great personal valor during a critical phase of securing the limited beachhead was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation of the island, and his heroic determination throughout three days of violent battle reflects the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 12/25/1920 at San Antonio, Texas

Home Town: San Antonio, Texas

William Bordelon was exhumed from National Memorial of the Pacific Cemetery, Honolulu, HI in November 1995, and was the fifth person to lie in state at the Alamo shrine prior to final burial at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.

Boyington, Gregory "Pappy" (POW)

Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)

Marine Fighting Squadron 214 (VMF-214), Marine Air Group 11 (MAG-11), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

Date of Action: September 12, 1943 - January 03, 1944

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and valiant devotion to duty as commanding officer of Marine Fighting Squadron Two Hundred Fourteen (VMF-214) in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Central Solomons area from 12 September 1943 to 3 January 1944. Consistently outnumbered throughout successive hazardous flights over heavily defended hostile territory, Major Boyington struck at the enemy with daring and courageous persistence, leading his squadron into combat with devastating results to Japanese shipping, shore installations, and aerial forces. Resolute in his efforts to inflict crippling damage on the enemy, Major Boyington led a formation of 24 fighters over Kahili on 17 October and, persistently circling the airdrome where 60 hostile aircraft were grounded, boldly challenged the Japanese to send up planes. Under his brilliant command, our fighters shot down 20 enemy craft in the ensuing action without the loss of a single ship. A superb airman and determined fighter against overwhelming odds, Major Boyington personally destroyed 26 of the many Japanese planes shot down by his squadron and, by his forceful leadership, developed the combat readiness in his command which was a distinctive factor in the Allied aerial achievements in this vitally strategic area.

Born: 12/4/1912 at Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

Home Town: Okonogan, Washington

On October 5, 1945 President Harry S Truman presented the Medal of Honor to Major Boyington, his first award having been posthumously presented to his mother. Boyington was a pilot in Clair Chennault's famed "Flying Tigers" in the early days of the war, before returning to duty with the Marine Corps.

Bush, Richard Earl

Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)

Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 6th Marine Division

Date of Action: April 16, 1945

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Richard Earl Bush, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a squad leader serving with the Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Sixth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces, during the final assault against Mount Yaetake on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 April 1945. Rallying his men forward with indomitable determination, Corporal Bush boldly defied the slashing fury of concentrated Japanese artillery fire pouring down from the gun-studded mountain fortress to lead his squad up the face of the rocky precipice, sweep over the ridge, and drive the defending troops from their deeply entrenched position. With his unit, the first to break through to the inner defense of Mount Yaetake, he fought relentlessly in the forefront of the action until seriously wounded and evacuated with others under protecting rocks. Although prostrate under medical treatment when a Japanese hand grenade landed in the midst of the group, Corporal Bush, alert and courageous in extremity as in battle, unhesitatingly pulled the deadly missile to himself and absorbed the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his body, thereby saving his fellow Marines from severe injury or death despite the certain peril to his own life. By his valiant leadership and aggressive tactics in the face of savage opposition, Corporal Bush contributed materially to the success of the sustained drive toward the conquest of this fiercely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His constant concern for the welfare of his men, his resolute spirit of self-sacrifice, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict enhance and sustain the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Born: 12/23/1924 at Glasgow, Kentucky

Home Town: Glasgow, Kentucky

*Caddy, William Robert

Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)

Company I, 3d Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division

Date of Action: March 03, 1945

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to William Robert Caddy, Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company 1, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Consistently aggressive, Private First Class Caddy boldly defied shattering Japanese machinegun and small arms fire to move forward with his platoon leader and another Marine during the determined advance of his company through an isolated sector and, gaining the comparative safety of a shell hole, took temporary cover with his comrades. Immediately pinned down by deadly sniper fire from a well-concealed position, he made several unsuccessful attempts to again move forward and then, joined by his platoon leader, engaged the enemy in a fierce exchange of hand grenades until a Japanese grenade fell beyond reach in the shell hole. Fearlessly disregarding all personal danger, Private First Class Caddy instantly dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he unhesitatingly yielded his own life that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy. His dauntless courage and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Caddy and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.

Born: 8/8/1925 at Quincy, Massachusetts

Home Town: Quincy, Massachusetts

*Cannon, George Hamm

First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps