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Cpl Elizabeth Davis
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Marine LtGen James M Masters.
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Contact Info
Last Address Atlanta
Date of Passing Aug 05, 1988
Official Badges
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Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division Date of Action: May 10 - 12, 1945 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to James M. Masters, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Executive Officer of the Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Dakeshi Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 10 to 12 May 1945. On 10 May, when the advance of the Regiment was checked by a strong hostile force, Lieutenant Colonel Masters unhesitatingly went forward of the front lines on reconnaissance and obtained information concerning the Japanese and unfamiliar terrain which enabled a successful attack to be made the following day. On 11 May, he established an advanced observation post in the only possible position on the front lines from which the attack that day could be observed and directed and, despite unusually heavy casualties at the post from intense enemy mortar and small-arms fire, continued to man it and report information vital to the capture of desperately defended Dakeshi Ridge, Moving the observation post forward again on 12 May, he advanced under intense hostile fire to the Ridge before that ground had been completely seized by assault troops and, although the Japanese continued to inflict heavy casualties on his force, persevered in his mission to observe the enemy and terrain, thus securing information which aided materially in the formulation of successful plans for continuing the attack. His inspiring leadership, courage and unremitting devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. SPOT AWARD, FMF Pac: Serial 77925 Born: at Atlasita, Georgia Home Town: Washington, D.C.
Base, Station or City Guantanamo Bay, Cuba;Pearl Harbor;Johnson Island
State/Country Pacific
Patch
4th Defense Bn Details
4th Defense Battalion
(February 1940-May 1944)
The organization took shape at Parris Island, South Carolina, under Major George F. Good, Jr.; Colonel Lloyd L. Leech took over in April; and Lieutenant Colonel Jesse L. Perkins in December 1940. Colonel William H. Rupertus commanded the unit when it deployed in February 1941 to defend the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Under Colonel Harold S. Fasset, the battalion arrived in the Pacific in time to become one of the Rainbow Five. Its strength was divided between Pearl Harbor and Midway, and helped defend both bases against Japanese attacks on 7 December. The unit deployed in March 1942 to Efate and Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides, It moved in July 1943 to New Zealand and then to Guadalcanal before landing in August 1943 at Vella Lavella in support of the I Marine Amphibious Corps. After becoming the 4th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion on 15 May 1944, the unit returned to Guadalcanal in June but ended the war on Okinawa. arriving there in April 1945.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Midway Island
New Hebrides Islands
New Zealand
Guadalcanal
Vella Lavella
Peleliu
Okinawa
Other Memories He was transferred with the battalion to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in February 1941, and in November 1941 embarked with the battalion for Pearl Harbor.
On 7 December 1941, Captain Masters participated in the defense of that base against aerial attack. On 25 December he departed Pearl Harbor enroute to and in command of the first reinforcements for Johnston Island, where he remained until November 1942. The Bronze Star Medal was awarded him for service on Johnston Island. He was promoted to major in May 1942.