This Deceased Marine Profile is not currently maintained by any Member.
If you would like to take responsibility for researching and maintaining this Deceased profile please click
HERE
For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of a Rifle Company, FIRST MARINE RAIDER BATTALION, in action against enemy Japanese forces on GUADALCANAL, Solomon Islands, on the night of September 13-14, 1942. Stationed along Lunga Ridge squarely in the path of the hostile advance on Henderson Field, CAPTAIN SWEENEY skillfully directed the maneuvers of his company against overwhelming numbers of the enemy who fiercely and relentlessly attacked this precarious position. With communiation cut off and Japanese infiltrating to the rear of the line, CAPTAIN SWEENEY by his great personal valor and unswerving devotion to duty, so inspired and encouraged his desperately fighting men that they remained doggedly at their post, despite the extremely heavy casaulties. His brilliant leadership, sound judgement, and unyielding defiance of danger were inportant factors in the successful defense of Henderson Field during those crucial hours and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
