Other Memories Company E, 2nd Battalion, 29th Marines, Reinforced, FMF, Linda Vista, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA Jul 1944 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar(Rein), FMF, Linda Vista, Camp Elliott “651” Company E, 2nd Battalion, 29th Marines, 6th Marine Division, FMF, In the Field
Oct 1944 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar, 6thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Guadalcanal, B.S.I.) “737” Jan 1945 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar, 6thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Guadalcanal, B.S.I.) “737” Apr 1945 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar, 6thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Okinawa, R.I.) “737; 1, arr and disemb at Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Is.; 1-30, participated in action against enemy forces, Okinawa Shima, R.I.”
May 1945 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar, 6thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Okinawa, R.I.) “737; 1-19, participated in action against enemy forces.; 19, KIA, Okinawa Shima, R.I.”
Criteria The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States whil... The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. MoreHide
Comments The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant James E. Kreiner (MCSN: 224426), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous ... The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant James E. Kreiner (MCSN: 224426), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Sergeant, serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa in the Ryukyu Group, on 12 April 1945. When a group of the enemy suddenly fired upon his squad during a dangerous reconnaissance mission, Platoon Sergeant Kreiner fought gallantly throughout the ensuing engagement until he was cut off from his men in the blistering shellfire. Proceeding alone, he boldly engaged the outnumbering enemy in a bitter fire fight, killing the leader and four more of the Japanese before his own weapon jammed. Determined to disperse the remainder, he dauntlessly continued his advance and, hurling grenades with deadly effect, silenced the fire and enabled his squad to resume its patrol. By his inspiring leadership, outstanding fortitude and daring aggressiveness in the face of tremendous odds, Platoon Sergeant Kreiner contributed materially to the success of the bitterly fought Okinawa Campaign and his valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 37681 (January 19, 1946)
Action Date: April 12, 1945
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Platoon Sergeant
Company: Company E
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 29th Marines
Division: 6th Marine Division
MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. The criteria were announced in a War Department circular dated February 22, 1932, and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate, Army Wound Ribbon, or were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons subsequent to April 5, 1917 MoreHide
Comments
Killed in Action, 19 May 1945, during operations against Imperial Japanese Forces on Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands.
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
to the
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
for service as follows:
"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japa... The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
to the
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
for service as follows:
"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and capture of Okinawa, April 1 to June 21, 1945. Seizing Yontan Airfield in its initial operation, the SIXTH Marine Division, Reinforced, smashed through organized resistance to capture Ishikawa Isthmus, the town of Nago and heavily fortified Motobu Peninsula in 13 days. Later committed to the southern front, units of the Division withstood overwhelming artillery and mortar barrages, repulsed furious counterattacks and staunchly pushed over the rocky terrain to reduce almost impregnabale defenses and capture Sugar Loaf Hill. Turning southeast, they took the capital city of Naha and executed surprise shore-to-shore landings on Oruku Peninsula, securing the area with its prized Naha Airfield and Harbor after nine days of fierce fighting. Reentering the lines in the south, SIXTH Division Marines sought out enemy forces entrenched in a series of rocky ridges extending to the southern tip of the island, advancing relentlessly and rendering decisive support until the last remnants of enemy opposition were exterminated and the island secured. By their valor and tenacity, the officers and men of the SIXTH Marine Division, Reinforced contributed materially to the conquest of Okinawa, and their gallantry in overcoming a fanatic enemy in the face of extraordinary danger and difficulty adds new luster to Marine Corps history, and to the traditions of the United States Naval Service."
For the President,
James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy
MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria
The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during the Second World War.
Description Under the provisions of ALNAV #353-45, dated 22 October 1945, you are eligible for the World War II Victory Medal and are authorized to wear the World War II Victory Ribbon, by reason of having served... Under the provisions of ALNAV #353-45, dated 22 October 1945, you are eligible for the World War II Victory Medal and are authorized to wear the World War II Victory Ribbon, by reason of having served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy or Coast Guard, at any time during the period beginning 7 December 1941 and ending with a future date. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lastedThe Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945. After a long campaign of island hopping, the Allies were approaching Japan, and planned to use Okinawa, a large island only 340 mi (550 km) away from mainland Japan, as a base for air operations on the planned invasion of Japanese mainland (coded Operation Downfall). Four divisions of the U.S. 10th Army (the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th) and two Marine Divisions (the 1st and 6th) fought on the island. Their invasion was supported by naval, amphibious, and tactical air forces.
The battle has been referred to as the "typhoon of steel" in English, and tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or ("violent wind of steel") in Japanese. The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of kamikaze attacks from the Japanese defenders, and to the sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island. The battle resulted in the highest number of casualties in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Based on Okinawan government sources, mainland Japan lost 77,166 soldiers, who were either killed or committed suicide, and the Allies suffered 14,009 deaths (with an estimated total of more than 65,000 casualties of all kinds). Simultaneously, 42,000–150,000 local civilians were killed or committed suicide, a significant proportion of the local population. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki together with the Soviet invasion of Manchuria caused Japan to surrender less than two months after the end of the fighting on Okinawa.... More
Description After New Georgia, the next major operation was an invasion of the island of Bougainville, which was approached by landings at Mono and Stirling in the Treasury Islands on October 25-27, 1943. A MarinAfter New Georgia, the next major operation was an invasion of the island of Bougainville, which was approached by landings at Mono and Stirling in the Treasury Islands on October 25-27, 1943. A Marine division landed on the west coast of Bougainville at Empress Augusta Bay on November 1, 1943. The Marines were followed within the month by an Army division and replaced in the next month by another Army division.
It was late November before the beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay was secure. This beachhead was all that was needed, and no attempt was made to capture the entire island. Allied planes neutralized enemy airfields in the northern part of the island, and the Allied command made use of its naval and air superiority to contain the Japanese garrison on Bougainville and cut its supply line to Rabaul by occupying the Green Islands (February 14, 1944).
Despite these measures, the Japanese maintained pressure against the beachhead, mounting an especially heavy but unsuccessful counterattack as late as March 1944. Success at Bougainville isolated all Japanese forces left in the Solomons. The Japanese sustained comparatively heavy air and naval losses during the campaign, which further crippled the Japanese Combined Fleet and had a vital effect on the balance of naval power in the Central Pacific.... More
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. (World War II and Korea War service rate one ribbon for each period only) MoreHide
Description Combat Action Ribbon Eligibility for the Navy version (Navy-Marine Corps 1969, retroactive from December 7, 1941). Specifically; Dec. 7, 1941 to Apr. 14, 1946 (World War II) an award of only once per ... Combat Action Ribbon Eligibility for the Navy version (Navy-Marine Corps 1969, retroactive from December 7, 1941). Specifically; Dec. 7, 1941 to Apr. 14, 1946 (World War II) an award of only once per period. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Mar 1943, arrived in the Pacific Theater of Operations with the 3rd Marine Parachute Battalion, FMF, In the Field.
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Comments
22 Oct 1933, Expiration of Enlistment, Character, Excellent
Company E, 2nd Battalion, 29th Marines, Reinforced, FMF, Linda Vista, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA
Jul 1944 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar(Rein), FMF, Linda Vista, Camp Elliott “651”
Company E, 2nd Battalion, 29th Marines, 6th Marine Division, FMF, In the Field
Oct 1944 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar, 6thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Guadalcanal, B.S.I.) “737”
Jan 1945 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar, 6thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Guadalcanal, B.S.I.) “737”
Apr 1945 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar, 6thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Okinawa, R.I.) “737; 1, arr and disemb at Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Is.; 1-30, participated in action against enemy forces, Okinawa Shima, R.I.”
May 1945 PltSgt, Co E, 2ndBn, 29thMar, 6thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Okinawa, R.I.) “737; 1-19, participated in action against enemy forces.; 19, KIA, Okinawa Shima, R.I.”