World War II United States Marine. Nicknamed "The Pied Piper of Saipan." As an 18-year-old marine PFC in World War II, he was credited with single-handedly capturing, or persuading to surrender, over 1,500 Japanese soldiers and civilians during the Battle of Saipan. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions and was nominated for (though he did not receive) the Congressional Medal of Honor. His heroism on Saipan was later depicted in the 1960 movie "Hell to Eternity," in which he was portrayed by Jeffrey Hunter. His Medal of Honor citation reads, "For extraordinary heroism while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, South Pacific Area, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Acting as a Japanese Interpreter for the Second Marines, Private First Class GABALDON displayed extreme courage and initiative in single-handedly capturing enemy civilian and military personnel during the Saipan and Tinian operations. Working alone in front of the lines, he daringly entered enemy caves, pillboxes, buildings, and jungle brush, frequently in the face of hostile fire, and succeeded in not only obtaining vital military information, but in capturing well over one thousand enemy civilians and troops. Through his valiant and distinguished exploits, Private First Class GABALDON made an important contribution to the successful prosecution of the Campaign and, through his efforts, a definite humane treatment of civilian prisoners was assured. His courageous and inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."
World War II United States Marine. Nicknamed "The Pied Piper of Saipan." As an 18-year-old marine PFC in World War II, he was credited with single-handedly capturing, or persuading to surrender, over 1,500 Japanese soldiers and civilians during the Battle of Saipan. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions and was nominated for (though he did not receive) the Congressional Medal of Honor. His heroism on Saipan was later depicted in the 1960 movie "Hell to Eternity," in which he was portrayed by Jeffrey Hunter. His Medal of Honor citation reads, "For extraordinary heroism while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, South Pacific Area, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Acting as a Japanese Interpreter for the Second Marines, Private First Class GABALDON displayed extreme courage and initiative in single-handedly capturing enemy civilian and military personnel during the Saipan and Tinian operations. Working alone in front of the lines, he daringly entered enemy caves, pillboxes, buildings, and jungle brush, frequently in the face of hostile fire, and succeeded in not only obtaining vital military information, but in capturing well over one thousand enemy civilians and troops. Through his valiant and distinguished exploits, Private First Class GABALDON made an important contribution to the successful prosecution of the Campaign and, through his efforts, a definite humane treatment of civilian prisoners was assured. His courageous and inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."
Bio by: Dennis Alan Deel
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