Other Memories Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, FMF, In the Field
Oct 1942 Pvt, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Guadalcanal, B.S.I.) “Evac wounded, dest unknown”
Jan 1943 PFC, Co C, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Camp #1, Mount Martha, Australia) “1-5, Guadalcanal, B.S.I.; 6-13, at sea; 14-31, Camp #1, Mount Martha, Aus)”
Apr 1943 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Mount Martha, Australia) “5-30, sk in hosp”
Jul 1943 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Mount Martha, Australia) “12Jan42; 2-30, Sk Hosp.”
Oct 1943 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Camp Sudest, Papua, New Guinea) “12Jan42”
Jan 1944 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (New Britain, B.S.I.) “16-22 & 27-31, sk hosp.”
Apr 1944 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Pavuvu, Russell Islands) “12Jan42; 604”
Jul 1944 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (New Britain, B.S.I.) “334729; 653; 7-20, sk hosp”
Sep 1944 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Peleliu, Palau Islands) “15, Killed in action against enemy forces”
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 Private First Class Graham M. Allen (MCSN: 334729), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for co... The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Graham M. Allen (MCSN: 334729), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division during combat with enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 Sep 1944. 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, 15 Sep 1944, during operations against Imperial Japanese Forces on Peleliu Island, Palau 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
FIRST 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
FIRST MARINE DIVISION
for service as follows:
"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu and Ngesebus, from September 15 to 29, 1944. Landing over a treacherous coral reef against hostile mortar and artillery fire, the FIRST Marine Division, Reinforced, seized a narrow, heavily mined beachhead and advanced foot by foot in the face of relentless enfilade fire through rain forests and mangrove swamps toward the air strip, the key to the enemy defenses of the southern Palaus. Opposed all the way by thoroughly disciplined, veteran Japanese troops heavily entrenched in caves and in reinforced concrete pillboxes which honeycombed the high ground throughout the island, the officers and men of the Division fought with undiminished spirit and courage despite heavy losses, exhausting heat and difficult terrain, seizing and holding a strategic air and land base for future operations in the Western Pacific. By their individual acts of heroism, their aggressiveness and their fortitude, the men of the FIRST Marine Division, Reinforced, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
For the President.
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy 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 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 31 December 1946. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Peleliu, codenamed Operation Stalemate II, was fought between the United States and the Empire of Japan in the Pacific Theater of World War II, from September–November 1944 on the islandThe Battle of Peleliu, codenamed Operation Stalemate II, was fought between the United States and the Empire of Japan in the Pacific Theater of World War II, from September–November 1944 on the island of Peleliu, present-day Palau. U.S. Marines of the First Marine Division and later soldiers of the U.S. Army's 81st Infantry Division, fought to capture an airstrip on the small coral island. This battle was part of a larger offensive campaign known as Operation Forager which ran from June–November 1944 in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
Major General William Rupertus, USMC—commander of 1st Marine Division—predicted the island would be secured within four days. However, due to Japan's well-crafted fortifications and stiff resistance, the battle lasted over two months. In the United States, it was a controversial battle because of the island's questionable strategic value and the high casualty rate, which exceeded all other amphibious operations during the Pacific War. The National Museum of the Marine Corps called it "the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines".... More
Description The Battle of Cape Gloucester (26 December 1943 - 22 April 1944) was a battle in the Pacific theater of World War II, which took place between late December 1943 and April 1944, on the island of New BThe Battle of Cape Gloucester (26 December 1943 - 22 April 1944) was a battle in the Pacific theater of World War II, which took place between late December 1943 and April 1944, on the island of New Britain, part of the Territory of New Guinea.
The battle was a major part of Operation Cartwheel, the main Allied strategy in the South West Pacific Area and Pacific Ocean Areas during 1943–44, and it was the second World War II landing of the U.S. 1st Marine Division, after Guadalcanal.... More
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
Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island, British Solomon Islands.
Description The Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between 7 August 1942 and 9 February 1943 on and aThe Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between 7 August 1942 and 9 February 1943 on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theatre of World War II. It was the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan.
On 7 August 1942, Allied forces, predominantly American, landed on the islands of Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Florida in the southern Solomon Islands with the objective of denying their use by the Japanese to threaten the supply and communication routes between the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The Allies also intended to use Guadalcanal and Tulagi as bases to support a campaign to eventually capture or neutralize the major Japanese base at Rabaul on New Britain. The Allies overwhelmed the outnumbered Japanese defenders, who had occupied the islands since May 1942, and captured Tulagi and Florida, as well as an airfield (later named Henderson Field) that was under construction on Guadalcanal. Powerful US naval forces supported the landings.
Surprised by the Allied offensive, the Japanese made several attempts between August and November 1942 to retake Henderson Field. Three major land battles, seven large naval battles (five nighttime surface actions and two carrier battles), and continual, almost daily aerial battles culminated in the decisive Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in early November 1942, in which the last Japanese attempt to bombard Henderson Field from the sea and land with enough troops to retake it was defeated. In December 1942, the Japanese abandoned further efforts to retake Guadalcanal and evacuated their remaining forces by 7 February 1943 in the face of an offensive by the US Army's XIV Corps, conceding the island to the Allies.
The Guadalcanal campaign was a significant strategic combined arms victory by Allied forces over the Japanese in the Pacific theatre. The Japanese had reached the high-water mark of their conquests in the Pacific, and Guadalcanal marked the transition by the Allies from defensive operations to the strategic offensive in that theatre and the beginning of offensive operations, including the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Central Pacific campaigns, that resulted in Japan's eventual surrender and the end of World War II.... More
Other Memories Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Brigade, FMF, In the Field
Apr 1942 Pvt, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 3rdMarBrig, FMF, In the Field (Abd USS FULLER, at Sea)
Jul 1942 Pvt, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 3rdMarBrig, FMF, In the Field
Sep 1942 Pvt, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 3rdMarBrig, FMF, In the Field
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
Wounded in Action, Sep 1942, during operations against Imperial Japanese Forces on Guadalcanal 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 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
FIRST MARINE DIVISION
For service as follows:
Under command of Major General Alexander A. Vandergrift... The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
to the
FIRST MARINE DIVISION
For service as follows:
Under command of Major General Alexander A. Vandergrift, USMC Citation: "The officers and enlisted men of the First Marine Division, Reinforced, from August 7 to December 9, 1942, demonstrated outstanding gallantry and determination in successfully executing forced landings assaults against a number of strongly defended Japanese positions on Tulagi, Gavutu, Tanambogo, Florida and Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, completely routing all the enemy forces and seizing a most valuable base and airfield within the enemy zone of operations in the South Pacific Ocean. During the above period this Reinforced Division not only held their important strategic positions despite determined and repeated Japanese naval, air and land attacks, but by a series of offensive operations against strong enemy resistance drove the Japanese from the proximity of the airfield and inflicted great losses on them by land and air attacks. The courage and determination displayed in these operations were of an inspiring order."
For the President,
Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy
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
Guadalcanal 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
Apr 1942, arrived in the Pacific Theater of Operations with the Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Brigade (Prov), FMF, In the Field, Apia, Upolu, Western Samoa.
Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, FMF, In the Field
Oct 1942 Pvt, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Guadalcanal, B.S.I.) “Evac wounded, dest unknown”
Jan 1943 PFC, Co C, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Camp #1, Mount Martha, Australia) “1-5, Guadalcanal, B.S.I.; 6-13, at sea; 14-31, Camp #1, Mount Martha, Aus)”
Apr 1943 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Mount Martha, Australia) “5-30, sk in hosp”
Jul 1943 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Mount Martha, Australia) “12Jan42; 2-30, Sk Hosp.”
Oct 1943 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Camp Sudest, Papua, New Guinea) “12Jan42”
Jan 1944 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (New Britain, B.S.I.) “16-22 & 27-31, sk hosp.”
Apr 1944 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Pavuvu, Russell Islands) “12Jan42; 604”
Jul 1944 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (New Britain, B.S.I.) “334729; 653; 7-20, sk hosp”
Sep 1944 PFC, Co A, 1stBn, 7thMar, 1stMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Peleliu, Palau Islands) “15, Killed in action against enemy forces”