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Casualty Info
Home Town Atmore, AL
Last Address Rankin Hotel, Atmore, AL
Casualty Date Feb 18, 1944
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Unknown, Not Reported
Location Marshall Islands
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Golden Gate National Cemetery (VA) - San Bruno, California
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed.
Details Behind Award
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY Washington The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the 22d MARINES, Reinforced, TACTICAL GROUP ONE, FIFTH AMPHIBIOUS CORPS for service as follows: "For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and capture of Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, from February 17 to 22, 1944. As a unit of a Task Force, assembled only two days prior to departure for Eniwetok Atoll, the Twenty-second Marines, Reinforced, landed in whole or in part on Engebi, Eniwetok and Parry Islands, in rapid succession and launched aggressive attacks in the face of heavy machine-gun and mortar fire from well camouflaged enemy dugouts and foxholes. With simultaneous landings and reconnaissance missions on numerous other small islands, they overcame all resistance within six days, destroying a known 2,665 of the Japanese and capturing 66 prisoners. By their courage and determination, despite the difficulties and hardships involved in repeated re-embarkations and landing from day to day, these gallant officers and men made available to our forces in the Pacific Area an advanced base with large anchorage facilities and an established airfield, thereby contributing materially to the successful conduct of the war. Their sustained endurance, fortitude and fighting spirit throughout this operation reflect the highest credit on the Twenty-second Marines, Reinforced, and on the United States Naval Service" James Forrestal Secretary of the Navy
