Other Memories Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, FMF, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA Apr 1944 Cpl, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA “653” Jul 1944 Cpl, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA “653” Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, FMF, In the Field Oct 1944 Sgt, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field “600” Jan 1945 Sgt, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field “600; 10, emb abd LST#756 at Kawaihae, Hawaii, T.H. and sailed therefrom; 17, disemb and emb abd USS HANSFORD at Lahaina Roads, Maui, T.H. and 18, sailed therefrom” Feb 1945 Sgt, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands) “291876; 600, 19, Disemb at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands; 19-27, participated in the battle of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands; 27, KIA”
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, 27 February 1945, during offensive operations against Imperial Japanese Forces on Iwo Jima Island, Bonin 'Volcano' 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 SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to
Assault Troops of the Fifth Amphibious Corps, Reinforced
United States Fleet Ma... THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to
Assault Troops of the Fifth Amphibious Corps, Reinforced
United States Fleet Marine Force
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For extraordinary heroism in action during the seizure of enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands,
February 19 to 28, 1945. Landing against resistance which rapidly increased in fury as the Japanese
pounded the beaches with artillery, rocket and mortar fire, the Assault Troops of the FIFTH Amphibious
Corps inched ahead through shifting black volcanic sands, over heavily mined terrain, toward a garrison
of jagged cliffs, pillboxes and blockhouses commanding all approaches. Often driven back with terrific
losses in fierce hand-to-hand combat, the Assault Troops repeatedly hurled back the enemy's counterattacks
to regain and hold lost positions, and continued the unrelenting drive to high ground and Motoyama
Airfield No.1, captured by the end of the second day. By their individual acts of heroism and their
unfailing teamwork, these gallant officers and men fought against their own battle-fatigue and shock
to advance in the face of the enemy's fanatical resistance; they charged each strongpoint, one by one,
blasting out the hidden Japanese troops or sealing them in; within four days they had occupied the southern
part of Motoyama Airfield No. 2; simultaneously they stormed the steep slopes of Mount Suribachi to
raise the United States Flag; and they seized the strongly defended hills to silence guns commanding
the beaches and insure the conquest of Iwo Jima, a vital inner defense of the Japanese Empire."
For the President,
John L. Sullivan
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
Description
Iwo Jima Island, Bonin 'Volcano' Islands.
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 Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March 1945), or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States Armed Forces fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the JapaneThe Battle of Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March 1945), or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States Armed Forces fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Japanese Empire. The American invasion had the goal of capturing the entire island, including its three airfields (including South Field and Central Field), to provide a staging area for attacks on the Japanese main islands. This five-week battle comprised some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of the War in the Pacific of World War II.
After the heavy losses incurred in the battle, the strategic value of the island became controversial. It was useless to the U.S. Army as a staging base and useless to the U.S. Navy as a fleet base. However, Navy SEABEES rebuilt the landing strips, which were used as emergency landing strips for USAAF B-29s.
The Imperial Japanese Army positions on the island were heavily fortified, with a dense network of bunkers, hidden artillery positions, and 18 km (11 mi) of underground tunnels. The Americans on the ground were supported by extensive naval artillery and complete air supremacy over Iwo Jima from the beginning of the battle by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators.
Iwo Jima was the only battle by the U.S. Marine Corps in which the Japanese combat deaths were thrice those of the Americans throughout the battle. Of the 22,000 Japanese soldiers on Iwo Jima at the beginning of the battle, only 216 were taken prisoner, some of whom were captured because they had been knocked unconscious or otherwise disabled. The majority of the remainder were killed in action, although it has been estimated that as many as 3,000 continued to resist within the various cave systems for many days afterwards, eventually succumbing to their injuries or surrendering weeks later.
Despite the bloody fighting and severe casualties on both sides, the Japanese defeat was assured from the start. Overwhelming American superiority in arms and numbers as well as complete control of air power — coupled with the impossibility of Japanese retreat or reinforcement — permitted no plausible circumstance in which the Americans could have lost the battle.
The battle was immortalized by Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the raising of the U.S. flag on top of the 166 m (545 ft) Mount Suribachi by five U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy battlefield Hospital Corpsman. The photograph records the second flag-raising on the mountain, both of which took place on the fifth day of the 35-day battle. Rosenthal's photograph promptly became an indelible icon — of that battle, of that war in the Pacific, and of the Marine Corps itself — and has been widely reproduced.... More
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 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 Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description
Awarded to the defenders of Midway Island, including the 6th Defense Battalion, for their actions during the Battle of Midway.
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
Jan 1942, arrived in the Pacific Theater of Operations with the 23rd Provisional Marine Company (Company S), 6th Defense Battalion, FMF, In the Field, Midway 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 The Battle of Midway in the Pacific Theater of Operations was one of the most important naval battles of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, only six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, The Battle of Midway in the Pacific Theater of Operations was one of the most important naval battles of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, only six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, and one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea, the United States Navy (USN), under Admirals Chester W. Nimitz, Frank Jack Fletcher, and Raymond A. Spruance decisively defeated an attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), under Admirals Isoroku Yamamoto, Chuichi Nagumo, and Nobutake Kondo on Midway Atoll, inflicting irreparable damage on the Japanese fleet. Military historian John Keegan called it "the most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare." It was Japan's first naval defeat since the Battle of Shimonoseki Straits in 1863.
The Japanese operation, like the earlier attack on Pearl Harbor, sought to eliminate the United States as a strategic power in the Pacific, thereby giving Japan a free hand in establishing its Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. The Japanese hoped that another demoralizing defeat would force the U.S. to capitulate in the Pacific War and thus ensure Japanese dominance in the Pacific.
The Japanese plan was to lure the United States' aircraft carriers into a trap. The Japanese also intended to occupy Midway as part of an overall plan to extend their defensive perimeter in response to the Doolittle air raid on Tokyo. This operation was also considered preparatory for further attacks against Fiji, Samoa, and Hawaii itself.
The plan was handicapped by faulty Japanese assumptions of the American reaction and poor initial dispositions. Most significantly, American codebreakers were able to determine the date and location of the attack, enabling the forewarned U.S. Navy to set up an ambush of its own. Four Japanese aircraft carriers—Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu, all part of the six-carrier force that had attacked Pearl Harbor six months earlier—and a heavy cruiser were sunk at a cost of one American aircraft carrier and a destroyer. After Midway and the exhausting attrition of the Solomon Islands campaign, Japan's shipbuilding and pilot training programs were unable to keep pace in replacing their losses, while the U.S. steadily increased its output in both areas.... More
Other Memories Company I, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Brigade, FMF, MCB, San Diego, CA Jan 1941 Pvt, Co I, 3rdBn, 2ndMar, 2ndMarBrig, FMF, MCB, San Diego, CA “15Aug40; 18, jdfr Co F, 2ndBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarBrig, FMF, MCB, San Diego, Calif.” Company I, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division, FMF, MCB, San Diego, CA Apr 1941 Pvt, Co I, 3rdBn, 2ndMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, MCB, San Diego, CA Company I, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division, FMF, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA Jul 1941 PFC, Co I, 3rdBn, 2ndMar, 2ndMarDiv, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA Oct 1941 PFC, Co I, 3rdBn, 2ndMar, 2ndMarDiv, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA Jan 1942 PFC, Co I, 3rdBn, 2ndMar, 2ndMarDiv, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA “8, to Co S, FMF, Camp Elliott, San Diego, Calif.”
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Description
American Defense Service Medal - Awarded to all persons in the naval service on active duty during the period 08 Sep 1939 to 07 Dec 1941, inclusive.
Other Memories Company F, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Brigade, FMF, MCB, San Diego, CA Dec 1940 Pvt, Co F, 2ndBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarBrig, FMF, MCB, San Diego, CA “15Aug40; 8, jdfr MD, NAS, Seattle, Wash.” Jan 1941 Pvt, Co F, 2ndBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarBrig, FMF, MCB, San Diego, CA “18, to Co I, 3rdBn, 2ndMar, Base”
Other Memories 1st Recruit Battalion, Recruit Depot, Base Troops, Marine Corps Base, San Diego, CA Aug 1940 Pvt, 1stRecBn, RDep, BTrs, MCB, San Diego, CA “15Aug40; 17, jdfr SRD, Oklahoma City, Okla.” Sep 1940 Pvt, 1stRecBn, RDep, BTrs, MCB, San Diego, CA Oct 1940 Pvt, 1stRecBn, RDep, BTrs, MCB, San Diego, CA “4, qual Mks; 14, to MB, PSNY, Bremerton, Wash., vi USS ARIZONA; 14, emb and 17, sailed”
Other Memories 1st Recruit Battalion, Recruit Depot, Base Troops, Marine Corps Base, San Diego, CA Aug 1940 Pvt, 1stRecBn, RDep, BTrs, MCB, San Diego, CA “15Aug40; 17, jdfr SRD, Oklahoma City, Okla.” Sep 1940 Pvt, 1stRecBn, RDep, BTrs, MCB, San Diego, CA Oct 1940 Pvt, 1stRecBn, RDep, BTrs, MCB, San Diego, CA “4, qual Mks; 14, to MB, PSNY, Bremerton, Wash., vi USS ARIZONA; 14, emb and 17, sailed”
Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, FMF, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA
Apr 1944 Cpl, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA “653”
Jul 1944 Cpl, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA “653”
Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, FMF, In the Field
Oct 1944 Sgt, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field “600”
Jan 1945 Sgt, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field “600; 10, emb abd LST#756 at Kawaihae, Hawaii, T.H. and sailed therefrom; 17, disemb and emb abd USS HANSFORD at Lahaina Roads, Maui, T.H. and 18, sailed therefrom”
Feb 1945 Sgt, Co A, 1stBn, 27thMar, 5thMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands) “291876; 600, 19, Disemb at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands; 19-27, participated in the battle of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands; 27, KIA”