This Military Service Page was created/owned by
CWO3 Manuel (Manny) Vizinho
to remember
Marine PFC Elbie Adkins.
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Casualty Info
Home Town Harts, WV
Last Address Harts
Casualty Date Mar 12, 1945
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Gun, Small Arms Fire
Location Japan
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Adkins-Fry Cemetery - Harts, West Virginia
In his short time in the Pacific Theater, Pfc. Adkins had seen action in the Marshall Islands, the Marianas Islands, Saipan, Tinian, the Volcano Islands, and Iwo Jima. Killed while on a volunteer mission on March 12, 1945, Elbie had been wounded three times in action between July 1944 and February 1945.
Comments/Citation:
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Elbie Adkins (MCSN: 425392), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Runner of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 12 March 1945. When an enemy bunker disrupted the advance of his company and all attempts to destroy it had failed, Private First Class Adkins volunteered to go forward alone to attack with rifle grenades, although fully aware that he would be under heavy hostile fire at every point of observation he might choose. Advancing to a ridge in front of his own lines and only thirty yards from the Japanese bunker, he took steady aim, fired and scored two direct hits before he fell, mortally wounded by rifle fire. By his daring action, he had forced the enemy within the bunker to cease firing and seek cover, thereby enabling his company to advance and destroy the fortification. His outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Action Date: March 12, 1945
