Other Memories Company P, 4th Raider Battalion, 1st Marine Raider Regiment, FMF, In the Field
Apr 1943 PFC, Co P, 4thRdrBn, 1stMarRdrRegt, FMF, In the Field (Espiritu Santo, N.H.)
Jun 1943 PFC, Co P, 4thRdrBn, 1stMarRdrRegt, FMF, In the Field (New Georgia, B.S.I.) “20, emb abd USS WATERS (APD-8) at Tetere, Guadalcanal, B.S.I. and sailed therefrom same date; 21, arr and participated in the occupation of Segi Point, New Georgia, B.S.I.; 27, emb in rubber boats at Segi Point, New Georgia and debarked on 28 at Regi Village, New Georgia; 29-30, participated in the battle at Wickham Anchorage, Viru Harbor, on New Georgia, B.S.I.”
Jul 1943 PFC, Co P, 4thRdrBn, 1stMarRdrRegt, FMF, In the Field (New Georgia, B.S.I.) “18Jul42; 1-9, participated in the seizure and occupation of Viru Harbor, New Georgia, B.S.I.; 9, emb and sailed abd LCI#331 at Viru Harbor; 10, arr & disemb at Tetere Point, Guadalcanal, B.S.I.; 17, emb & sailed abd USS MC KEAN at Tetere Point, Guadalcanal, B.S.I.; 18, arr & disemb at Enogai, New Georgia, B.S.I.; 18-20, participated in the occupation of Enogai; 20, KIA while participating in the attack against the enemy at Bairoko Harbor, New Georgia, B.S.I.; GO#20 does not apply, Char Exc.; Remains interred at Enogai Harbor Cemetery, New Georgia, B.S.I.”
Other Memories Company C, 4th Raider Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA
Oct 1942 Pvt, Co C, 4thRdrBn, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA “1Sep42; 28, jdfr 10thRBn, RD, MCB, San Diego”
Jan 1943 PFC, Co C, 4thRdrBn, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA “Det for amph trng fr 20-25Jan43”
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, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Private First Class Elzie J. Hancock... The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Private First Class Elzie J. Hancock, Jr. (MCSN: 418893), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for gallantry in action while serving with the Fourth Marine Raider Battalion at Bairoko Harbor, New Georgia, Solomon Islands on 20 July 1943. Exposing himself to relentless enemy fire with no concern for his own safety he kept the right and left flanks of his company in contact with each other and through times guided them into position for assaults on a Japanese machine gun emplacement that threatened devastating flanking fire on an entire battalion. Private Hancock was killed while leading a charge which silenced the enemy guns.
General Orders: Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 519 (December 21, 1943)
Action Date: July 20, 1943
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Company: Company P
Battalion: 4th Marine Raider Battalion
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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, 20 Jul 1943, during operations against Imperial Japanese Forces on New Georgia Island, British Solomon Islands.
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 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 For first award only, the MCGCM may be awarded, provided conduct requirements are met, to the next of kin in those cases where service member is killed in combat action against an opposing armed force... For first award only, the MCGCM may be awarded, provided conduct requirements are met, to the next of kin in those cases where service member is killed in combat action against an opposing armed force, or dies as a direct result of wounds received in combat action against an opposing armed force, or dies in the line of duty where such death was directly related to actions against the enemy. MoreHide
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 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
New Georgia Island, British Solomon Islands.
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
Feb 1943, arrived in the Pacific Theater of Operations with the Company C, 4th Marine Raider Battalion, FMF, In the Field.
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 This operation was fought during the Pacific war on this group of islands situated in the central Solomons. US forces invaded them as part of an American offensive (CARTWHEEL) to isolate and neutralizThis operation was fought during the Pacific war on this group of islands situated in the central Solomons. US forces invaded them as part of an American offensive (CARTWHEEL) to isolate and neutralize Rabaul, the main Japanese base in their South-East Area.
On 20 June 1943 a Raider battalion (, 5(f)) landed at Segi Point on the main island, New Georgia, and during the next two weeks there were other landings by US Marines and 43rd US Division on Rendova and Vangunu islands, and on western New Georgia, to seize a Japanese airstrip at Munda point. Despite the US Navy's intervention, which resulted in the battles of Kula Gulf and Kolombangara, 4,000 reinforcements were successfully dispatched to the commander of the 10,500-strong Japanese garrison, Maj-General Sasaki Noboru. Most reinforced Munda, which became the focus of Japanese resistance, and their night infiltration tactics unnerved the inexperienced US troops. Non-battle casualties, caused by exhaustion and ‘war neuroses’, increased alarmingly, and when the commander of 14th Corps, Maj-General Oscar Griswold, arrived on 11 July he reported the division was ‘about to fold up’. The 37th US Division was brought in, Griswold replaced the worst affected units, and he then launched a corps attack on 25 July. Fierce fighting followed but by 1August the Japanese, outnumbered and outgunned, had withdrawn inland. This time US Navy destroyers prevented more reinforcements reaching them when, on the night of 6/7August, they sank three Japanese transports (battle of Vella Gulf).
Munda now became the base of Marine Corps squadrons which supported landings on Vella Lavella on 15 August. These bypassed and isolated Sasaki's garrison now gathering on Kolombangara after further US reinforcements, elements of 25th US Division, had failed to destroy them on New Georgia. On 15 September Sasaki was ordered to withdraw. In a brilliantly organized evacuation 9,400 men out of the 12,500 on Kolombangara were rescued by landing craft, and the following month those on Vella Lavella were also evacuated.
The campaign proved costly for the Americans who had 1,094 killed and 3,873 wounded with thousands more becoming non-battle casualties. Excluding the fighting on Vella Lavella, 2,483 Japanese bodies were counted. Planned as a one-division operation, the Japanese garrison's ‘skill, tenacity, and valor’—to quote the campaign's official US historian—eventually made it one where elements of four had to be used. ‘The obstinate General Sasaki,’ the same historian concludes, ‘deserved his country's gratitude for his gallant and able conduct.’... More
Other Memories 10th Recruit Battalion, Recruit Depot, Marine Corps Base, San Diego, CA
Sep 1942 Pvt, 10thRecBn, RDep, MCB, San Diego, CA “1Sep42; 4, jdfr SRD”
Oct 1942 Pvt, 10thRecBn, RDep, MCB, San Diego, CA “28, Intra Reserve; to 4thRaider Bn, Post”
Other Memories 10th Recruit Battalion, Recruit Depot, Marine Corps Base, San Diego, CA
Sep 1942 Pvt, 10thRecBn, RDep, MCB, San Diego, CA “1Sep42; 4, jdfr SRD”
Oct 1942 Pvt, 10thRecBn, RDep, MCB, San Diego, CA “28, Intra Reserve; to 4thRaider Bn, Post”
Company P, 4th Raider Battalion, 1st Marine Raider Regiment, FMF, In the Field
Apr 1943 PFC, Co P, 4thRdrBn, 1stMarRdrRegt, FMF, In the Field (Espiritu Santo, N.H.)
Jun 1943 PFC, Co P, 4thRdrBn, 1stMarRdrRegt, FMF, In the Field (New Georgia, B.S.I.) “20, emb abd USS WATERS (APD-8) at Tetere, Guadalcanal, B.S.I. and sailed therefrom same date; 21, arr and participated in the occupation of Segi Point, New Georgia, B.S.I.; 27, emb in rubber boats at Segi Point, New Georgia and debarked on 28 at Regi Village, New Georgia; 29-30, participated in the battle at Wickham Anchorage, Viru Harbor, on New Georgia, B.S.I.”
Jul 1943 PFC, Co P, 4thRdrBn, 1stMarRdrRegt, FMF, In the Field (New Georgia, B.S.I.) “18Jul42; 1-9, participated in the seizure and occupation of Viru Harbor, New Georgia, B.S.I.; 9, emb and sailed abd LCI#331 at Viru Harbor; 10, arr & disemb at Tetere Point, Guadalcanal, B.S.I.; 17, emb & sailed abd USS MC KEAN at Tetere Point, Guadalcanal, B.S.I.; 18, arr & disemb at Enogai, New Georgia, B.S.I.; 18-20, participated in the occupation of Enogai; 20, KIA while participating in the attack against the enemy at Bairoko Harbor, New Georgia, B.S.I.; GO#20 does not apply, Char Exc.; Remains interred at Enogai Harbor Cemetery, New Georgia, B.S.I.”