World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Served as a Major, Commanding Officer, Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. On Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, February 20-21, 1945 he led his company in a determined advance from low ground uphill toward the steep cliffs where Japanese positions were causing devastating Marine casualties. When the volume of enemy fire became too intense to advance any further, he held up his company and crawled alone approximately 200 yards forward to spot enemy gun positions. Returning to his own lines, he relayed the vital information to support artillery and naval gunfire units, then placed himself in an exposed vantage point to direct the supporting fire. During this phase of the battle, his company suffered heavy casualties, but his inspiring leadership spurred his men on to efforts which resulted in the final defeat of the Japanese defenders in that sector.
World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Served as a Major, Commanding Officer, Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. On Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, February 20-21, 1945 he led his company in a determined advance from low ground uphill toward the steep cliffs where Japanese positions were causing devastating Marine casualties. When the volume of enemy fire became too intense to advance any further, he held up his company and crawled alone approximately 200 yards forward to spot enemy gun positions. Returning to his own lines, he relayed the vital information to support artillery and naval gunfire units, then placed himself in an exposed vantage point to direct the supporting fire. During this phase of the battle, his company suffered heavy casualties, but his inspiring leadership spurred his men on to efforts which resulted in the final defeat of the Japanese defenders in that sector.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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