World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Pharmacist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy serving with 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division at the Iwo Jima campaign. On March 15, 1945, under heavy enemy fire he took charge of rendering first aid and the evacuation of wounded casualties. To save two patients, he deliberately exposed himself to Japanese attackers from a cave and with the last of his ammunition he destroyed their position. Lifting the first wounded man to his back, he carried him across 200 feet of open terrain and then returned back through the crossfire to retrieve the second man. The following morning, he led a combat patrol and while aiding a stricken Marine, was seriously wounded. Refusing aid, he directed treatment for the casualty and at the same time maintained a protective fire for his comrades. His other awards included the Navy Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart. After the war he joined the Grand Rapids police force and rose from patrolman to Deputy Police Chief.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Pharmacist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy serving with 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division at the Iwo Jima campaign. On March 15, 1945, under heavy enemy fire he took charge of rendering first aid and the evacuation of wounded casualties. To save two patients, he deliberately exposed himself to Japanese attackers from a cave and with the last of his ammunition he destroyed their position. Lifting the first wounded man to his back, he carried him across 200 feet of open terrain and then returned back through the crossfire to retrieve the second man. The following morning, he led a combat patrol and while aiding a stricken Marine, was seriously wounded. Refusing aid, he directed treatment for the casualty and at the same time maintained a protective fire for his comrades. His other awards included the Navy Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart. After the war he joined the Grand Rapids police force and rose from patrolman to Deputy Police Chief.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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