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Casualty Info
Home Town Gary
Last Address 2328 Fillmore Street, Gary, Indiana
Casualty Date Nov 20, 1943
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Unknown, Not Reported
Location Kiribati
Location of Interment National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (VA) - Honolulu, Hawaii
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 President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the SECOND MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED) consisting of Division Headquarters, Special Troops (including Company C, 1st Corps Medium Tanks Battalion), Service Troops, 2nd, 6th, 8th 10th and 18th Marine Regiments in the Battle of Tarawa, as set forth in the following CITATION: "For outstanding performance in combat during the seizure and occupation of the Japanese-held Atoll of Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 20 to 24, 1943. Forced by treacherous coral reefs to disembark from their landing craft hundreds of yards off the beach, the Second Marine Division (Reinforced) became a highly vulnerable target for devastating Japanese fire. Dauntlessly advancing in spite of rapidly mounting losses, the Marines fought a gallant battle against crushing odds, clearing the limited beachheads of snipers and machine guns, reducing powerfully fortified enemy positions and completely annihilating the fanatically determined and strongly entrenched Japanese forces. By the successful occupation of Tarawa, the Second Marine Division (Reinforced) has provided our forces with highly strategic and important air and land bases from which to continue future operations against the enemy; by the valiant fighting spirit of these men, their heroic fortitude under punishing fire and their relentless perseverance in waging this epic battle in the Central Pacific, they have upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service." For the President, James Forrestal Acting Secretary of the Navy
