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CADDY, WILLIAM ROBERT
Rank and organization: Private First Class,
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 8 August 1925, Quincy, Mass. Accredited
to: Massachusetts.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
as a rifleman with Company 1, 3d Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure
of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Consistently aggressive,
Pfc. Caddy boldly defied shattering Japanese machinegun and small arms
fire to move forward with his platoon leader and another marine during
the determined advance of his company through an isolated sector and,
gaining the comparative safety of a shell hole, took temporary cover
with his comrades. Immediately pinned down by deadly sniper fire from
a well-concealed position, he made several unsuccessful attempts to
again move forward and then, joined by his platoon leader, engaged the
enemy in a fierce exchange of hand grenades until a Japanese grenade
fell beyond reach in the shell hole. Fearlessly disregarding all personal
danger, Pfc. Caddy instantly dived on the deadly missile, absorbing
the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from
serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he unhesitatingly yielded
his own life that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle
against a fanatic enemy. His dauntless courage and valiant spirit of
self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit
upon Pfc. Caddy and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life for his comrades.
CALLAGHAN, DANIEL JUDSON
Rank and organization: Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. Born: 26 July
1892, San Francisco, Calif. Appointed from: California. Entered service
at: Oakland, Calif. Other Navy award: Distinguished Service Medal.
Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous
intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during action against
enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the night of 12-13 November
1942. Although out-balanced in strength and numbers by a desperate and
determined enemy, Rear Adm. Callaghan, with ingenious tactical skill
and superb coordination of the units under his command, led his forces
into battle against tremendous odds, thereby contributing decisively
to the rout of a powerful invasion fleet, and to the consequent frustration
of a formidable Japanese offensive. While faithfully directing close-range
operations in the face of furious bombardment by superior enemy fire
power, he was killed on the bridge of his flagship. His courageous initiative,
inspiring leadership, and judicious foresight in a crisis of grave responsibility
were in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life in the defense of his country.
CALUGAS, JOSE
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Battery B, 88th Field
Artillery, Philippine Scouts. Place and date: At Culis, Bataan Province,
Philippine Islands, 16 January 1942. Entered service at: Fort Stotsenburg,
Philippine Islands. Born: 29 December 1907, Barrio Tagsing, Leon, %Iloilo,
Philippine Islands. G.O. No.: 10, 24 February 1942.
Citation: The action for which the award was made
took place near Culis, Bataan Province, Philippine Islands, on 16 January
1942. A battery gun position was bombed and shelled by the enemy until
1 gun was put out of commission and all the cannoneers were killed or
wounded. Sgt. Calugas, a mess sergeant of another battery, voluntarily
and without orders ran 1,000 yards across the shell-swept area to the
gun position. There he organized a volunteer squad which placed the
gun back in commission and fired effectively against the enemy, although
the position remained under constant and heavy Japanese artillery fire.
CANNON, GEORGE HAM
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born:
S November 1915, Webster Groves, Mo. Entered service at: Michigan.
Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line
of his profession, extraordinary courage and disregard of his own condition
during the bombardment of Sand Island, Midway Islands, by Japanese forces
on 7 December 1941. 1st Lt. Cannon, Battery Commander of Battery H,
6th Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, U.S. Marine Corps, was at
his command post when he was mortally wounded by enemy shellfire. He
refused to be evacuated from his post until after his men who had been
wounded by the same shell were evacuated, and directed the reorganization
of his command post until forcibly removed. As a result of his utter
disregard of his own condition he died from loss of blood.
CAREY, ALVIN P.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 38th Infantry,
2-t Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Plougastel, Brittany, France,
23 August 1944. Entered service at: Laughlinstown, Pa. Born: 16 August
1916, Lycippus, Pa. G.O. No.: 37, 11 May 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 23 August
1944. S/Sgt. Carey, leader of a machinegun section, was advancing with
his company in the attack on the strongly held enemy hill 154, near
Plougastel, Brittany, France. The advance was held up when the attacking
units were pinned down by intense enemy machinegun fire from a pillbox
200 yards up the hill. From his position covering the right flank, S/Sgt.
Carey displaced his guns to an advanced position and then, upon his
own initiative, armed himself with as many hand grenades as he could
carry and without regard for his personal safety started alone up the
hill toward the pillbox. Crawling forward under its withering fire,
he proceeded 150 yards when he met a German rifleman whom he killed
with his carbine. Continuing his steady forward movement until he reached
grenade-throwing distance, he hurled his grenades at the pillbox opening
in the face of intense enemy fire which wounded him mortally. Undaunted,
he gathered his strength and continued his grenade attack until one
entered and exploded within the pillbox, killing the occupants and putting
their guns out of action. Inspired by S/Sgt. Carey's heroic act, the
riflemen quickly occupied the position and overpowered the remaining
enemy resistance in the vicinity.
CAREY, CHARLES F., JR.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, 397th Infantry,
100th Infantry Division. Place and date: Rimling, France, 8-9 January
1945. Entered service at: Cheyenne, Wyo. Birth: Canadian, Okla. G.O.
No.: 53, July 1945.
Citation: He was in command of an antitank platoon
when about 200 enemy infantrymen and 12 tanks attacked his battalion,
overrunning part of its position. After losing his guns, T/Sgt. Carey,
acting entirely on his own initiative, organized a patrol and rescued
2 of his squads from a threatened sector, evacuating those who had been
wounded. He organized a second patrol and advanced against an enemy-held
house from which vicious fire issued, preventing the free movement of
our troops. Covered by fire from his patrol, he approached the house,
killed 2 snipers with his rifle, and threw a grenade in the door. He
entered alone and a few minutes later emerged with 16 prisoners. Acting
on information he furnished, the American forces were able to capture
an additional 41 Germans in adjacent houses. He assembled another patrol,
and, under covering fire, moved to within a few yards of an enemy tank
and damaged it with a rocket. As the crew attempted to leave their burning
vehicle, he calmly shot them with his rifle, killing 3 and wounding
a fourth. Early in the morning of 9 January, German infantry moved into
the western part of the town and encircled a house in which T/Sgt. Carey
had previously posted a squad. Four of the group escaped to the attic.
By maneuvering an old staircase against the building, T/Sgt. Carey was
able to rescue these men. Later that day, when attempting to reach an
outpost, he was struck down by sniper fire. The fearless and aggressive
leadership of T/Sgt. Carey, his courage in the face of heavy fire from
superior enemy forces, provided an inspiring example for his comrades
and materially helped his battalion to withstand the German onslaught.
CARR, CHRIS (aka CHRISTOS H. KARABERIS)
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company L, 337th Infantry,
85th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Guignola, Italy, 1-2 October
1944. Entered service at: Manchester, N.H. Birth: Manchester, N.H. G.O.
No.: 97, 1 November 1945.
Citation: Leading a squad of Company L, he gallantly
cleared the way for his company's approach along a ridge toward its
objective, the Casoni di Remagna. When his platoon was pinned down by
heavy fire from enemy mortars, machineguns, machine pistols, and rifles,
he climbed in advance of his squad on a maneuver around the left flank
to locate and eliminate the enemy gun positions. Undeterred by deadly
fire that ricocheted off the barren rocky hillside, he crept to the
rear of the first machinegun and charged, firing his submachinegun.
In this surprise attack he captured 8 prisoners and turned them over
to his squad before striking out alone for a second machinegun. Discovered
in his advance and subjected to direct fire from the hostile weapon,
he leaped to his feet and ran forward, weaving and crouching, pouring
automatic fire into the emplacement that killed 4 of its defenders and
forced the surrender of a lone survivor. He again moved forward through
heavy fire to attack a third machinegun. When close to the emplacement,
he closed with a nerve-shattering shout and burst of fire. Paralyzed
by his whirlwind attack, all 4 gunners immediately surrendered. Once
more advancing aggressively in the face of a thoroughly alerted enemy,
he approached a point of high ground occupied by 2 machineguns which
were firing on his company on the slope below. Charging the first of
these weapons, he killed 4 of the crew and captured 3 more. The 6 defenders
of the adjacent position, cowed by the savagery of his assault, immediately
gave up. By his l-man attack, heroically and voluntarily undertaken
in the face of tremendous risks, Sgt. Karaberis captured 5 enemy machinegun
positions, killed 8 Germans, took 22 prisoners, cleared the ridge leading
to his company's objective, and drove a deep wedge into the enemy line,
making it possible for his battalion to occupy important, commanding
ground.
CARSWELL, HORACE S., JR. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Major, 308th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air
Corps. Place and date: Over South China Sea, 26 October 1944. Entered
service at: San Angelo, Tex. Birth: Fort Worth, Tex. G.O. No.: 14, 4
February 1946.
Citation: He piloted a B-24 bomber in a one-plane
strike against a Japanese convoy in the South China Sea on the night
of 26 October 1944. Taking the enemy force of 12 ships escorted by at
least 2 destroyers by surprise, he made 1 bombing run at 600 feet, scoring
a near miss on 1 warship and escaping without drawing fire. He circled.
and fully realizing that the convoy was thoroughly alerted and would
meet his next attack with a barrage of antiaircraft fire, began a second
low-level run which culminated in 2 direct hits on a large tanker. A
hail of steel from Japanese guns, riddled the bomber, knocking out 2
engines, damaging a third, crippling the hydraulic system, puncturing
1 gasoline tank, ripping uncounted holes in the aircraft, and wounding
the copilot; but by magnificent display of flying skill, Maj. Carswell
controlled the plane's plunge toward the sea and carefully forced it
into a halting climb in the direction of the China shore. On reaching
land, where it would have been possible to abandon the staggering bomber,
one of the crew discovered that his parachute had been ripped by flak
and rendered useless; the pilot, hoping to cross mountainous terrain
and reach a base. continued onward until the third engine failed. He
ordered the crew to bail out while he struggled to maintain altitude.
and, refusing to save himself, chose to remain with his comrade and
attempt a crash landing. He died when the airplane struck a mountainside
and burned. With consummate gallantry and intrepidity, Maj. Carswell
gave his life in a supreme effort to save all members of his crew. His
sacrifice. far beyond that required of him, was in keeping with the
traditional bravery of America's war heroes.
CARTER, EDWARD A., Jr.
Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 23 March 1945,
near Speyer, Germany. When the tank on which he was riding received
heavy bazooka and small arms fire, Sergeant Carter voluntarily attempted
to lead a three-man group across an open field. Within a short time,
two of his men were killed and the third seriously wounded. Continuing
on alone, he was wounded five times and finally forced to take cover.
As eight enemy riflemen attempted to capture him, Sergeant Carter killed
six of them and captured the remaining two. He then crossed the field
using as a shield his two prisoners from which he obtained valuable
information concerning the disposition of enemy troops. Staff Sergeant
Carter's extraordinary heroism was an inspiration to the officers and
men of the Seventh Army Infantry Company Number 1 (Provisional) and
exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
CASAMENTO, ANTHONY
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company D, First Battalion,
Fifth Marines, First Marine Division. Place and date: Guadalcanal, Solomon
Islands. Entered service at: Brooklyn, New York. Date and place of birth:
16 November 1920, Brooklyn, New York.
Citation:For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
with Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal,
British Solomon Islands, in action against the enemy Japanese forces
on 1 November 1942. Serving as a leader of a machine gun section, Corporal
Casamento directed his unit to advance along a ridge near the Matanikau
River where they engaged the enemy. He positioned his section to provide
covering fire for two flanking units and to provide direct support for
the main force of his company which was behind him. During the course
of this engagement, all members of his section were either killed or
severely wounded and he himself suffered multiple, grievous wounds.
Nonetheless, Corporal Casamento continued to provide critical supporting
fire for the attack and in defense of his position. Following the loss
of all effective personnel, he set up, loaded, and manned his unit's
machine gun. tenaciously holding the enemy forces at bay. Corporal Casamento
single-handedly engaged and destroyed one machine gun emplacement to
his front and took under fire the other emplacement on the flank. Despite
the heat and ferocity of the engagement, he continued to man his weapon
and repeatedly repulsed multiple assaults by the enemy forces, thereby
protecting the flanks of the adjoining companies and holding his position
until the arrival of his main attacking force. Corporal Casamento's
courageous fighting spirit, heroic conduct, and unwavering dedication
to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval
Service.
CASTLE, FREDERICK W. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Brigadier General. Assistant Commander, 4th Bomber
Wing, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and date: Germany, 24 December 1944.
Entered service at: Mountain Lake, N.J. Born: 14 October 1908, Manila
P.I. G.O. No. 22, 28 February 1947.
Citation: He was air commander and leader of more
than 2,000 heavy bombers in a strike against German airfields on 24
December 1944. En route to the target, the failure of 1 engine forced
him to relinquish his place at the head of the formation. In order not
to endanger friendly troops on the ground below, he refused to jettison
his bombs to gain speed maneuverability. His lagging, unescorted aircraft
became the target of numerous enemy fighters which ripped the left wing
with cannon shells. set the oxygen system afire, and wounded 2 members
of the crew. Repeated attacks started fires in 2 engines, leaving the
Flying Fortress in imminent danger of exploding. Realizing the hopelessness
of the situation, the bail-out order was given. Without regard for his
personal safety he gallantly remained alone at the controls to afford
all other crewmembers an opportunity to escape. Still another attack
exploded gasoline tanks in the right wing, and the bomber plunged earthward.
carrying Gen. Castle to his death. His intrepidity and willing sacrifice
of his life to save members of the crew were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service.
CHAMBERS, JUSTICE M.
Rank and organization: Colonel. U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 3rd
Assault Battalion Landing Team. 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division. Place
and date: On Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. from 19 to 22 February 1945.
Entered service at: Washington, D.C. Born: 2 February 1908, Huntington,
W. Va. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
as commanding officer of the 3d Assault Battalion Landing Team, 25th
Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces
on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 22 February 1945. Under a furious
barrage of enemy machinegun and small-arms fire from the commanding
cliffs on the right, Col. Chambers (then Lt. Col.) landed immediately
after the initial assault waves of his battalion on D-day to find the
momentum of the assault threatened by heavy casualties from withering
Japanese artillery, mortar rocket, machinegun, and rifle fire. Exposed
to relentless hostile fire, he coolly reorganized his battle-weary men,
inspiring them to heroic efforts by his own valor and leading them in
an attack on the critical, impregnable high ground from which the enemy
was pouring an increasing volume of fire directly onto troops ashore
as well as amphibious craft in succeeding waves. Constantly in the front
lines encouraging his men to push forward against the enemy's savage
resistance, Col. Chambers led the 8-hour battle to carry the flanking
ridge top and reduce the enemy's fields of aimed fire, thus protecting
the vital foothold gained. In constant defiance of hostile fire while
reconnoitering the entire regimental combat team zone of action, he
maintained contact with adjacent units and forwarded vital information
to the regimental commander. His zealous fighting spirit undiminished
despite terrific casualties and the loss of most of his key officers,
he again reorganized his troops for renewed attack against the enemy's
main line of resistance and was directing the fire of the rocket platoon
when he fell, critically wounded. Evacuated under heavy Japanese fire,
Col. Chambers, by forceful leadership, courage, and fortitude in the
face of staggering odds, was directly instrumental in insuring the success
of subsequent operations of the 5th Amphibious Corps on Iwo Jima, thereby
sustaining and enhancing the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
CHELI, RALPH (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and date: Near
Wewak, New Guinea, 18 August 1943. Entered service at: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Birth: San Francisco, Calif. G.O. No.: 72, 28 October 1943.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. While Maj.
Cheli was leading his squadron in a dive to attack the heavily defended
Dagua Airdrome, intercepting enemy aircraft centered their fire on his
plane, causing it to burst into flames while still 2 miles from the
objective. His speed would have enabled him to gain necessary altitude
to parachute to safety, but this action would have resulted in his formation
becoming disorganized and exposed to the enemy. Although a crash was
inevitable, he courageously elected to continue leading the attack in
his blazing plane. From a minimum altitude, the squadron made a devastating
bombing and strafing attack on the target. The mission completed, Maj.
Cheli instructed his wingman to lead the formation and crashed into
the sea.
CHILDERS, ERNEST
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 45th Infantry
Division. Place and date: At Oliveto, Italy, 22 September 1943. Entered
service at: Tulsa, Okla. Birth: Broken Arrow, Okla. G.O. No.: 30, 8
April 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action on 22 September
1943, at Oliveto, Italy. Although 2d Lt. Childers previously had just
suffered a fractured instep he, with 8 enlisted men, advanced up a hill
toward enemy machinegun nests. The group advanced to a rock wall overlooking
a cornfield and 2d Lt. Childers ordered a base of fire laid across the
field so that he could advance. When he was fired upon by 2 enemy snipers
from a nearby house he killed both of them. He moved behind the machinegun
nests and killed all occupants of the nearer one. He continued toward
the second one and threw rocks into it. When the 2 occupants of the
nest raised up, he shot 1. The other was killed by 1 of the 8 enlisted
men. 2d Lt. Childers continued his advance toward a house farther up
the hill, and single-handed, captured an enemy mortar observer. The
exceptional leadership, initiative, calmness under fire, and conspicuous
gallantry displayed by 2d Lt. Childers were an inspiration to his men.
CHOATE, CLYDE L.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C,
601st Tank Destroyer Battalion. Place and date: Near Bruyeres, France,
25 October 1944. Entered service at: Anna, 111. Born: 28 June 1920,
West Frankfurt, 111. G.O. No.: 75, 5 September 1945.
Citation: He commanded a tank destroyer near Bruyeres,
France, on 25 October 1944. Our infantry occupied a position on a wooded
hill when, at dusk, an enemy Mark IV tank and a company of infantry
attacked, threatening to overrun the American position and capture a
command post 400 yards to the rear. S/Sgt. Choate's tank destroyer,
the only weapon available to oppose the German armor, was set afire
by 2 hits. Ordering his men to abandon the destroyer, S/Sgt. Choate
reached comparative safety. He returned to the burning destroyer to
search for comrades possibly trapped in the vehicle risking instant
death in an explosion which was imminent and braving enemy fire which
ripped his jacket and tore the helmet from his head. Completing the
search and seeing the tank and its supporting infantry overrunning our
infantry in their shallow foxholes, he secured a bazooka and ran after
the tank, dodging from tree to tree and passing through the enemy's
loose skirmish line. He fired a rocket from a distance of 20 yards,
immobilizing the tank but leaving it able to spray the area with cannon
and machinegun fire. Running back to our infantry through vicious fire,
he secured another rocket, and, advancing against a hail of machinegun
and small-arms fire reached a position 10 yards from the tank. His second
shot shattered the turret. With his pistol he killed 2 of the crew as
they emerged from the tank; and then running to the crippled Mark IV
while enemy infantry sniped at him, he dropped a grenade inside the
tank and completed its destruction. With their armor gone, the enemy
infantry became disorganized and was driven back. S/Sgt. Choate's great
daring in assaulting an enemy tank single-handed, his determination
to follow the vehicle after it had passed his position, and his skill
and crushing thoroughness in the attack prevented the enemy from capturing
a battalion command post and turned a probable defeat into a tactical
success.
CHRISTENSEN, DALE ELDON
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Troop E,
112th Cavalry Regiment. Place and date: Driniumor River, New Guinea,
16-19 July 1944. Entered service at: Gray, Iowa. Birth: Cameron Township,
Iowa. G.O. No.: 36, 10 May 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty along the
Driniumor River, New Guinea, from 16-19 July 1944. 2d Lt. Christensen
repeatedly distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and
beyond the call of duty in the continuous heavy fighting which occurred
in this area from 16-19 July. On 16 July, his platoon engaged in a savage
fire fight in which much damage was caused by 1 enemy machinegun effectively
placed. 2d Lt. Christensen ordered his men to remain under cover, crept
forward under fire, and at a range of 15 yards put the gun out of action
with hand grenades. Again, on 19 July, while attacking an enemy position
strong in mortars and machineguns, his platoon was pinned to the ground
by intense fire. Ordering his men to remain under cover, he crept forward
alone to locate definitely the enemy automatic weapons and the best
direction from which to attack. Although his rifle was struck by enemy
fire and knocked from his hands he continued his reconnaissance, located
5 enemy machineguns, destroyed 1 with hand grenades, and rejoined his
platoon. He then led his men to the point selected for launching the
attack and, calling encouragement, led the charge. This assault was
successful and the enemy was driven from the positions with a loss of
4 mortars and 10 machineguns and leaving many dead on the field. On
4 August 1944, near Afua, Dutch New Guinea, 2d Lt. Christensen was killed
in action about 2 yards from his objective while leading his platoon
in an attack on an enemy machinegun position. 2d Lt. Christensen's leadership,
intrepidity, and repeatedly demonstrated gallantry in action at the
risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, exemplify the highest
traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.
CHRISTIAN, HERBERT F.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, 3d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Valmontone, Italy, 2-3 June
1944. Entered service at: Steubenville, Ohio. Birth: Byersville, Ohio.
G.O. No.: 43, 30 May 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 2-3 June 1944,
at 1 a.m., Pvt. Christian elected to sacrifice his life in order that
his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving massed
fire of about 60 riflemen, 3 machineguns, and 3 tanks from positions
only 30 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled to the patrol to
withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares. Although
his right leg was severed above the knee by cannon fire, Pvt. Christian
advanced on his left knee and the bloody stump of his right thigh, firing
his submachinegun. Despite excruciating pain, Pvt. Christian continued
on his self-assigned mission. He succeeded in distracting the enemy
and enabled his 12 comrades to escape. He killed 3 enemy soldiers almost
at once. Leaving a trail of blood behind him, he made his way forward
20 yards, halted at a point within 10 yards of the enemy, and despite
intense fire killed a machine-pistol man. Reloading his weapon, he fired
directly into the enemy position. The enemy appeared enraged at the
success of his ruse, concentrated 20-mm. machinegun, machine-pistol
and rifle fire on him, yet he refused to seek cover. Maintaining his
erect position, Pvt. Christian fired his weapon to the very last. Just
as he emptied his submachinegun, the enemy bullets found their mark
and Pvt. Christian slumped forward dead. The courage and spirit of self-sacrifice
displayed by this soldier were an inspiration to his comrades and are
in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.
CICCHETTI, JOSEPH J.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company
A, 148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division. Place and date: South Manila,
Luzon, Philippine Islands, 9 February 1945. Entered service at: Waynesburg,
Ohio. Birth: Waynesburg, Ohio. G.O. No.: 115, 8 December 1945. Citation:
He was with troops assaulting the first important line of enemy defenses.
The Japanese had converted the partially destroyed Manila Gas Works
and adjacent buildings into a formidable system of mutually supporting
strongpoints from which they were concentrating machinegun, mortar,
and heavy artillery fire on the American forces. Casualties rapidly
mounted, and the medical aid men, finding it increasingly difficult
to evacuate the wounded, called for volunteer litter bearers. Pfc. Cicchetti
immediately responded, organized a litter team and skillfully led it
for more than 4 hours in rescuing 14 wounded men, constantly passing
back and forth over a 400-yard route which was the impact area for a
tremendous volume of the most intense enemy fire. On 1 return trip the
path was blocked by machinegun fire, but Pfc. Cicchetti deliberately
exposed himself to draw the automatic fire which he neutralized with
his own rifle while ordering the rest of the team to rush past to safety
with the wounded. While gallantly continuing his work, he noticed a
group of wounded and helpless soldiers some distance away and ran to
their rescue although the enemy fire had increased to new fury. As he
approached the casualties, he was struck in the head by a shell fragment,
but with complete disregard for his gaping wound he continued to his
comrades, lifted 1 and carried him on his shoulders 50 yards to safety.
He then collapsed and died. By his skilled leadership, indomitable will,
and dauntless courage, Pfc. Cicchetti saved the lives of many of his
fellow soldiers at the cost of his own.
CLARK, FRANCIS J.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company
K, 109th Infantry, 28th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Kalborn,
Luxembourg, 12 September 1944; near Sevenig, Germany, 17 September 1944.
Entered service at: Salem, N.Y. Birth: Whitehall, N.Y. G.O. No.: 77,
10 September 1945.
Citation: He fought gallantly in Luxembourg and
Germany. On 12 September 1944, Company K began fording the Our River
near Kalborn, Luxembourg, to take high ground on the opposite bank.
Covered by early morning fog, the 3d Platoon, in which T/Sgt. Clark
was squad leader, successfully negotiated the crossing; but when the
2d Platoon reached the shore, withering automatic and small-arms fire
ripped into it, eliminating the platoon leader and platoon sergeant
and pinning down the troops in the open. From his comparatively safe
position, T/Sgt. Clark crawled alone across a field through a hail of
bullets to the stricken troops. He led the platoon to safety and then
unhesitatingly returned into the fire-swept area to rescue a wounded
soldier, carrying him to the American line while hostile gunners tried
to cut him down. Later, he led his squad and men of the 2d Platoon in
dangerous sorties against strong enemy positions to weaken them by lightning-like
jabs. He assaulted an enemy machinegun with hand grenades, killing 2
Germans. He roamed the front and flanks, dashing toward hostile weapons,
killing and wounding an undetermined number of the enemy, scattering
German patrols and, eventually, forcing the withdrawal of a full company
of Germans heavily armed with automatic weapons. On 17 September, near
Sevenig, Germany, he advanced alone against an enemy machinegun, killed
the gunner and forced the assistant to flee. The Germans counterattacked,
and heavy casualties were suffered by Company K. Seeing that 2 platoons
lacked leadership, T/Sgt. Clark took over their command and moved among
the men to give encouragement. Although wounded on the morning of 18
September, he refused to be evacuated and took up a position in a pillbox
when night came. Emerging at daybreak, he killed a German soldier setting
up a machinegun not more than 5 yards away. When he located another
enemy gun, he moved up unobserved and killed 2 Germans with rifle fire.
Later that day he voluntarily braved small-arms fire to take food and
water to members of an isolated platoon. T/Sgt. Clark's actions in assuming
command when leadership was desperately needed, in launching attacks
and beating off counterattacks, in aiding his stranded comrades, and
in fearlessly facing powerful enemy fire, were strikingly heroic examples
and put fighting heart into the hard-pressed men of Company K.
COLALILLO, MIKE
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company
C, 398th Infantry, 100th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Untergriesheim,
Germany, 7 April 1945. Entered service at. Duluth, Minn. Birth: Hibbing,
Minn. G.O. No.: 4, 9 January 1946.
Citation: He was pinned down with other members
of his company during an attack against strong enemy positions in the
vicinity of Untergriesheim, Germany. Heavy artillery, mortar, and machinegun
fire made any move hazardous when he stood up, shouted to the company
to follow, and ran forward in the wake of a supporting tank, firing
his machine pistol. Inspired by his example, his comrades advanced in
the face of savage enemy fire. When his weapon was struck by shrapnel
and rendered useless, he climbed to the deck of a friendly tank, manned
an exposed machinegun on the turret of the vehicle, and, while bullets
rattled about him, fired at an enemy emplacement with such devastating
accuracy that he killed or wounded at least 10 hostile soldiers and
destroyed their machinegun. Maintaining his extremely dangerous post
as the tank forged ahead, he blasted 3 more positions, destroyed another
machinegun emplacement and silenced all resistance in his area, killing
at least 3 and wounding an undetermined number of riflemen as they fled.
His machinegun eventually jammed; so he secured a submachinegun from
the tank crew to continue his attack on foot. When our armored forces
exhausted their ammunition and the order to withdraw was given, he remained
behind to help a seriously wounded comrade over several hundred yards
of open terrain rocked by an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage.
By his intrepidity and inspiring courage Pfc. Colallilo gave tremendous
impetus to his company's attack, killed or wounded 25 of the enemy in
bitter fighting, and assisted a wounded soldier in reaching the American
lines at great risk of his own life.
COLE, DARRELL SAMUEL
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 20
July 1920, Flat River, Mo. Entered service at. Esther, Mo. other Navy
award: Bronze Star Medal.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
as leader of a Machinegun Section of Company B, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines,
4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during
the assault on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Assailed
by a tremendous volume of small-arms, mortar and artillery fire as he
advanced with 1 squad of his section in the initial assault wave, Sgt.
Cole boldly led his men up the sloping beach toward Airfield No. 1 despite
the blanketing curtain of flying shrapnel and, personally destroying
with hand grenades 2 hostile emplacements which menaced the progress
of his unit, continued to move forward until a merciless barrage of
fire emanating from 3 Japanese pillboxes halted the advance. Instantly
placing his 1 remaining machinegun in action, he delivered a shattering
fusillade and succeeded in silencing the nearest and most threatening
emplacement before his weapon jammed and the enemy, reopening fire with
knee mortars and grenades, pinned down his unit for the second time.
Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation and evolving a daring plan of
counterattack, Sgt. Cole, armed solely with a pistol and 1 grenade,
coolly advanced alone to the hostile pillboxes. Hurling his 1 grenade
at the enemy in sudden, swift attack, he quickly withdrew, returned
to his own lines for additional grenades and again advanced, attacked,
and withdrew. With enemy guns still active, he ran the gauntlet of slashing
fire a third time to complete the total destruction of the Japanese
strong point and the annihilation of the defending garrison in this
final assault. Although instantly killed by an enemy grenade as he returned
to his squad, Sgt. Cole had eliminated a formidable Japanese position,
thereby enabling his company to storm the remaining fortifications,
continue the advance, and seize the objective. By his dauntless initiative,
unfaltering courage, and indomitable determination during a critical
period of action, Sgt. Cole served as an inspiration to his comrades,
and his stouthearted leadership in the face of almost certain death
sustained and enhanced the highest tradition of the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.
COLE, ROBERT G.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 101st Airborne
Division. Place and date: Near Carentan, France, 11 June 1944. Entered
service at: San Antonio, Tex. Birth: Fort Sam Houston, Tex. G.O. No.:
79, 4 October 1944.
Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944,
in France. Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing
the last 4 bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was
suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle,
machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared
and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements.
After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over 1 hour prevented
any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing
this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault
the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his
own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet
in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to
follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet,
he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept
open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action
in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our
bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery,
and outstanding leadership displayed by Lt. Col. Cole reflect great
credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military
service.
CONNOR, JAMES P.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 7th Infantry, 3d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Cape Cavalaire, southern France,
15 August 1944. Entered service at: Wilmington, Del. Birth: Wilmington,
Del. G.O. No.: 18, 15 March 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 15 August 1944,
Sgt. Connor, through sheer grit and determination, led his platoon in
clearing an enemy vastly superior in numbers and firepower from strongly
entrenched positions on Cape Cavalaire, removing a grave enemy threat
to his division during the amphibious landing in southern France, and
thereby insured safe and uninterrupted landings for the huge volume
of men and materiel which followed. His battle patrol landed on "Red
Beach" with the mission of destroying the strongly fortified enemy positions
on Cape Cavalaire with utmost speed. From the peninsula the enemy had
commanding observation and seriously menaced the vast landing operations
taking place. Though knocked down and seriously wounded in the neck
by a hanging mine which killed his platoon lieutenant, Sgt. Connor refused
medical aid and with his driving spirit practically carried the platoon
across several thousand yards of mine-saturated beach through intense
fire from mortars, 20-mm. flak guns, machineguns, and snipers. En route
to the Cape he personally shot and killed 2 snipers. The platoon sergeant
was killed and Sgt. Connor became platoon leader. Receiving a second
wound, which lacerated his shoulder and back, he again refused evacuation,
expressing determination to carry on until physically unable to continue.
He reassured and prodded the hesitating men of his decimated platoon
forward through almost impregnable mortar concentrations. Again emphasizing
the prevalent urgency of their mission, he impelled his men toward a
group of buildings honeycombed with enemy snipers and machineguns. Here
he received his third grave wound, this time in the leg, felling him
in his tracks. Still resolved to carry on, he relinquished command only
after his attempts proved that it was physically impossible to stand.
Nevertheless, from his prone position, he gave the orders and directed
his men in assaulting the enemy. Infused with Sgt. Connor's dogged determination,
the platoon, though reduced to less than one-third of its original 36
men, outflanked and rushed the enemy with such furiousness that they
killed 7, captured 40, seized 3 machineguns and considerable other materiel,
and took all their assigned objectives, successfully completing their
mission. By his repeated examples of tenaciousness and indomitable spirit
Sgt Connor transmitted his heroism to his men until they became a fighting
team which could not be stopped.
COOLEY, RAYMOND H.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B,
27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Lumboy,
Luzon, Philippine Islands, 24 February 1945. Entered service at: Richard
City, Tenn. Born: 7 May 1914, Dunlap, Tenn. G.O. No.: 77, 10 September
1945.
Citation: He was a platoon guide in an assault
on a camouflaged entrenchment defended by machineguns, rifles, and mortars.
When his men were pinned down by 2 enemy machineguns, he voluntarily
advanced under heavy fire to within 20 yards of 1 of the guns and attacked
it with a hand grenade. The enemy, however, threw the grenade back at
him before it could explode. Arming a second grenade, he held it for
several seconds of the safe period and then hurled it into the enemy
position, where it exploded instantaneously, destroying the gun and
crew. He then moved toward the remaining gun, throwing grenades into
enemy foxholes as he advanced. Inspired by his actions, 1 squad of his
platoon joined him. After he had armed another grenade and was preparing
to throw it into the second machinegun position, 6 enemy soldiers rushed
at him. Knowing he could not dispose of the armed grenade without injuring
his comrades, because of the intermingling in close combat of the men
of his platoon and the enemy in the melee which ensued, he deliberately
covered the grenade with his body and was severely wounded as it exploded.
By his heroic actions, S/Sgt. Cooley not only silenced a machinegun
and so inspired his fellow soldiers that they pressed the attack and
destroyed the remaining enemy emplacements, but also, in complete disregard
of his own safety, accepted certain injury and possible loss of life
to avoid wounding his comrades.
COOLIDGE, CHARLES H.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company
M, 141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division. Place and date: East of Belmont
sur Buttant, France, 2427 October 1944. Entered service at: Signal Mountain,
Tenn. Birth: Signal Mountain, Tenn. G.O. No.: 53, July 1945.
Citation: Leading a section of heavy machineguns
supported by 1 platoon of Company K, he took a position near Hill 623,
east of Belmont sur Buttant, France, on 24 October 1944, with the mission
of covering the right flank of the 3d Battalion and supporting its action.
T/Sgt. Coolidge went forward with a sergeant of Company K to reconnoiter
positions for coordinating the fires of the light and heavy machineguns.
They ran into an enemy force in the woods estimated to be an infantry
company. T/Sgt. Coolidge, attempting to bluff the Germans by a show
of assurance and boldness called upon them to surrender, whereupon the
enemy opened fire. With his carbine, T/Sgt. Coolidge wounded 2 of them.
There being no officer present with the force, T/Sgt. Coolidge at once
assumed command. Many of the men were replacements recently arrived;
this was their first experience under fire. T/Sgt. Coolidge, unmindful
of the enemy fire delivered at close range, walked along the position,
calming and encouraging his men and directing their fire. The attack
was thrown back. Through 25 and 26 October the enemy launched repeated
attacks against the position of this combat group but each was repulsed
due to T/Sgt. Coolidge's able leadership. On 27 October, German infantry,
supported by 2 tanks, made a determined attack on the position. The
area was swept by enemy small arms, machinegun, and tank fire. T/Sgt.
Coolidge armed himself with a bazooka and advanced to within 25 yards
of the tanks. His bazooka failed to function and he threw it aside.
Securing all the hand grenades he could carry, he crawled forward and
inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing enemy. Finally it became
apparent that the enemy, in greatly superior force, supported by tanks,
would overrun the position. T/Sgt. Coolidge, displaying great coolness
and courage, directed and conducted an orderly withdrawal, being himself
the last to leave the position. As a result of T/Sgt. Coolidge's heroic
and superior leadership, the mission of this combat group was accomplished
throughout 4 days of continuous fighting against numerically superior
enemy troops in rain and cold and amid dense woods.
COURTNEY, HENRY ALEXIUS, JR.
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born:
6 January 1916, Duluth, Minn. Appointed from: Minnesota.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Executive
Officer of the 2d Battalion, 22d Marines, 6th Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Islands,
14 and 15 May 1945. Ordered to hold for the night in static defense
behind Sugar Loaf Hill after leading the forward elements of his command
in a prolonged fire fight, Maj. Courtney weighed the effect of a hostile
night counterattack against the tactical value of an immediate marine
assault, resolved to initiate the assault, and promptly obtained permission
to advance and seize the forward slope of the hill. Quickly explaining
the situation to his small remaining force, he declared his personal
intention of moving forward and then proceeded on his way, boldly blasting
nearby cave positions and neutralizing enemy guns as he went. Inspired
by his courage, every man followed without hesitation, and together
the intrepid marines braved a terrific concentration of Japanese gunfire
to skirt the hill on the right and reach the reverse slope. Temporarily
halting, Maj. Courtney sent guides to the rear for more ammunition and
possible replacements. Subsequently reinforced by 26 men and an LVT
load of grenades, he determined to storm the crest of the hill and crush
any planned counterattack before it could gain sufficient momentum to
effect a breakthrough. Leading his men by example rather than by command,
he pushed ahead with unrelenting aggressiveness, hurling grenades into
cave openings on the slope with devastating effect. Upon reaching the
crest and observing large numbers of Japanese forming for action less
than 100 yards away, he instantly attacked, waged a furious battle and
succeeded in killing many of the enemy and in forcing the remainder
to take cover in the caves. Determined to hold, he ordered his men to
dig in and, coolly disregarding the continuous hail of flying enemy
shrapnel to rally his weary troops, tirelessly aided casualties and
assigned his men to more advantageous positions. Although instantly
killed by a hostile mortar burst while moving among his men, Maj. Courtney,
by his astute military acumen, indomitable leadership and decisive action
in the face of overwhelming odds, had contributed essentially to the
success of the Okinawa campaign. His great personal valor throughout
sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.
COWAN, RICHARD ELLER
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company
M, 23d Infantry, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Krinkelter
Wald, Belgium, 17 December 1944. Entered service at: Wichita, Kans.
Birth: Lincoln, Nebr. G.O. No.: 48, 23 June 1945.
Citation: He was a heavy machinegunner in a section
attached to Company I in the vicinity of Krinkelter Wald, Belgium, 17
December 1944, when that company was attacked by a numerically superior
force of German infantry and tanks. The first 6 waves of hostile infantrymen
were repulsed with heavy casualties, but a seventh drive with tanks
killed or wounded all but 3 of his section, leaving Pvt. Cowan to man
his gun, supported by only 15 to 20 riflemen of Company I. He maintained
his position, holding off the Germans until the rest of the shattered
force had set up a new line along a firebreak. Then, unaided, he moved
his machinegun and ammunition to the second position. At the approach
of a Royal Tiger tank, he held his fire until about 80 enemy infantrymen
supporting the tank appeared at a distance of about 150 yards. His first
burst killed or wounded about half of these infantrymen. His position
was rocked by an 88mm. shell when the tank opened fire, but he continued
to man his gun, pouring deadly fire into the Germans when they again
advanced. He was barely missed by another shell. Fire from three machineguns
and innumerable small arms struck all about him; an enemy rocket shook
him badly, but did not drive him from his gun. Infiltration by the enemy
had by this time made the position untenable, and the order was given
to withdraw. Pvt. Cowan was the last man to leave, voluntarily covering
the withdrawal of his remaining comrades. His heroic actions were entirely
responsible for allowing the remaining men to retire successfully from
the scene of their last-ditch stand.
CRAFT, CLARENCE B.
Rank and organization: Private, First Class, U.S. Army, Company
G, 382d Infantry, 96th Infantry Division. Place and date: Hen Hill,
Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 31 May 1945. Entered service at: Santa Ana,
Calif. Birth: San Bernardino, Calif. G.O. No.: 97, 1 November 1945.
Citation: He was a rifleman when his platoon spearheaded
an attack on Hen Hill, the tactical position on which the entire Naha-Shuri-Yonaburu
line of Japanese defense on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, was hinged. For
12 days our forces had been stalled, and repeated, heavy assaults by
1 battalion and then another had been thrown back by the enemy with
serious casualties. With 5 comrades, Pfc. Craft was dispatched in advance
of Company G to feel out the enemy resistance. The group had proceeded
only a short distance up the slope when rifle and machinegun fire, coupled
with a terrific barrage of grenades, wounded 3 and pinned down the others.
Against odds that appeared suicidal, Pfc. Craft launched a remarkable
1-man attack. He stood up in full view of the enemy and began shooting
with deadly marksmanship wherever he saw a hostile movement. He steadily
advanced up the hill, killing Japanese soldiers with rapid fire, driving
others to cover in their strongly disposed trenches, unhesitatingly
facing alone the strength that had previously beaten back attacks in
battalion strength. He reached the crest of the hill, where he stood
silhouetted against the sky while quickly throwing grenades at extremely
short range into the enemy positions. His extraordinary assault lifted
the pressure from his company for the moment, allowing members of his
platoon to comply with his motions to advance and pass him more grenades.
With a chain of his comrades supplying him while he stood atop the hill,
he furiously hurled a total of 2 cases of grenades into a main trench
and other positions on the reverse slope of Hen Hill, meanwhile directing
the aim of his fellow soldiers who threw grenades from the slope below
him. He left his position, where grenades from both sides were passing
over his head and bursting on either slope, to attack the main enemy
trench as confusion and panic seized the defenders. Straddling the excavation,
he pumped rifle fire into the Japanese at pointblank range, killing
many and causing the others to flee down the trench. Pursuing them,
he came upon a heavy machinegun which was still creating havoc in the
American ranks. With rifle fire and a grenade he wiped out this position.
By this time the Japanese were in complete rout and American forces
were swarming over the hill. Pfc. Craft continued down the central trench
to the mouth of a cave where many of the enemy had taken cover. A satchel
charge was brought to him, and he tossed it into the cave. It failed
to explode. With great daring, the intrepid fighter retrieved the charge
from the cave, relighted the fuse and threw it back, sealing up the
Japs in a tomb. In the local action, against tremendously superior forces
heavily armed with rifles, machineguns, mortars, and grenades, Pfc.
Craft killed at least 25 of the enemy; but his contribution to the campaign
on Okinawa was of much more far-reaching consequence for Hen Hill was
the key to the entire defense line, which rapidly crumbled after his
utterly fearless and heroic attack.
CRAIG, ROBERT
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry,
3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Favoratta, Sicily, 11 July
1943. Entered service at: Toledo, Ohio. Birth: Scotland. G.O. No.: 41,
26 May 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 11 July 1943
at Favoratta, Sicily. 2d Lt. Craig voluntarily undertook the perilous
task of locating and destroying a hidden enemy machinegun which had
halted the advance of his company. Attempts by 3 other officers to locate
the weapon had resulted in failure, with each officer receiving wounds.
2d Lt. Craig located the gun and snaked his way to a point within 35
yards of the hostile position before being discovered. Charging headlong
into the furious automatic fire, he reached the gun, stood over it,
and killed the 3 crew members with his carbine. With this obstacle removed,
his company continued its advance. Shortly thereafter while advancing
down the forward slope of a ridge, 2d Lt. Craig and his platoon, in
a position devoid of cover and concealment, encountered the fire of
approximately 100 enemy soldiers. Electing to sacrifice himself so that
his platoon might carry on the battle, he ordered his men to withdraw
to the cover of the crest while he drew the enemy fire to himself. With
no hope of survival, he charged toward the enemy until he was within
25 yards of them. Assuming a kneeling position, he killed 5 and wounded
3 enemy soldiers. While the hostile force concentrated fire on him,
his platoon reached the cover of the crest. 2d Lt. Craig was killed
by enemy fire, but his intrepid action so inspired his men that they
drove the enemy from the area, inflicting heavy casualties on the hostile
force.
CRAIN, MORRIS E.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company
E, 141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division. Place and date: Haguenau,
France, 13 March 1945. Entered service at: Paducah, Ky. Birth: Bandana,
Ky. G.O. No.: 18, 13 February 1946.
Citation: He led his platoon against powerful
German forces during the struggle to enlarge the bridgehead across the
Moder River. With great daring and aggressiveness he spearheaded the
platoon in killing 10 enemy soldiers, capturing 12 more and securing
its objective near an important road junction. Although heavy concentrations
of artillery, mortar, and self-propelled gunfire raked the area, he
moved about among his men during the day, exhorting them to great efforts
and encouraging them to stand firm. He carried ammunition and maintained
contact with the company command post, exposing himself to deadly enemy
fire. At nightfall the enemy barrage became more intense and tanks entered
the fray to cover foot troops while they bombarded our positions with
grenades and rockets. As buildings were blasted by the Germans, the
Americans fell back from house to house. T/Sgt. Crain deployed another
platoon which had been sent to his support and then rushed through murderous
tank and small-arms fire to the foremost house, which was being defended
by 5 of his men. With the enemy attacking from an adjoining room and
a tank firing pointblank at the house, he ordered the men to withdraw
while he remained in the face of almost certain death to hold the position.
Although shells were crashing through the walls and bullets were hitting
all around him, he held his ground and with accurate fire from his submachinegun
killed 3 Germans. He was killed when the building was destroyed by the
enemy. T/Sgt. Crain's outstanding valor and intrepid leadership enabled
his platoon to organize a new defense, repel the attack and preserve
the hard-won bridgehead.
CRAW, DEMAS T.
Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and
date. Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco, 8 November 1942. Entered service
at: Michigan. Born: 9 April 1900, Traverse City, Mich. G.O. No.: 11,
4 March 1943.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 8 November 1942, near
Port Lyautey, French Morocco, Col. Craw volunteered to accompany the
leading wave of assault boats to the shore and pass through the enemy
lines to locate the French commander with a view to suspending hostilities.
This request was first refused as being too dangerous but upon the officer's
ins1stence that he was qualified to undertake and accomplish the mission
he was allowed to go. Encountering heavy fire while in the landing boat
and unable to dock in the river because of shell fire from shore batteries,
Col. Craw, accompanied by 1 officer and 1 soldier, succeeded in landing
on the beach at Mehdia Plage under constant low-level strafing from
3 enemy planes. Riding in a bantam truck toward French headquarters,
progress of the party was hindered by fire from our own naval guns.
Nearing Port Lyautey, Col. Craw was instantly killed by a sustained
burst of machinegun fire at pointblank range from a concealed position
near the road.
CRAWFORD, WILLIAM J.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 36th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Altavilla, Italy, 13 September 1943. Entered service
at: Pueblo, Colo. Birth: Pueblo, Colo. G.O. No.: 57, 20 July 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the
enemy near Altavilla, Italy, 13 September 1943. When Company I attacked
an enemy-held position on Hill 424, the 3d Platoon, in which Pvt. Crawford
was a squad scout, attacked as base platoon for the company. After reaching
the crest of the hill, the platoon was pinned down by intense enemy
machinegun and small-arms fire. Locating 1 of these guns, which was
dug in on a terrace on his immediate front, Pvt. Crawford, without orders
and on his own initiative, moved over the hill under enemy fire to a
point within a few yards of the gun emplacement and single-handedly
destroyed the machinegun and killed 3 of the crew with a hand grenade,
thus enabling his platoon to continue its advance. When the platoon,
after reaching the crest, was once more delayed by enemy fire, Pvt.
Crawford again, in the face of intense fire, advanced directly to the
front midway between 2 hostile machinegun nests located on a higher
terrace and emplaced in a small ravine. Moving first to the left, with
a hand grenade he destroyed 1 gun emplacement and killed the crew; he
then worked his way, under continuous fire, to the other and with 1
grenade and the use of his rifle, killed 1 enemy and forced the remainder
to flee. Seizing the enemy machinegun, he fired on the withdrawing Germans
and facilitated his company's advance.
CREWS, JOHN R.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company F,
253d Infantry, 63d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Lobenbacherhof,
Germany, 8 April 1945. Entered service at: Bowlegs, Okla. Birth: Golden,
Okla.
Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
on 8 April 1945 near Lobenbacherhof, Germany. As his company was advancing
toward the village under heavy fire, an enemy machinegun and automatic
rifle with rifle support opened upon it from a hill on the right flank.
Seeing that his platoon leader had been wounded by their fire, S/Sgt.
Crews, acting on his own initiative, rushed the strongpoint with 2 men
of his platoon. Despite the fact that 1 of these men was killed and
the other was badly wounded, he continued his advance up the hill in
the face of terrific enemy fire. Storming the well-dug-in position single-handedly,
he killed 2 of the crew of the machinegun at pointblank range with his
M 1 rifle and wrested the gun from the hands of the German whom he had
already wounded. He then with his rifle charged the strongly emplaced
automatic rifle. Although badly wounded in the thigh by crossfire from
the remaining enemy, he kept on and silenced the entire position with
his accurate and deadly rifle fire. His actions so unnerved the remaining
enemy soldiers that 7 of them surrendered and the others fled. His heroism
caused the enemy to concentrate on him and permitted the company to
move forward into the village.
CROMWELL, JOHN PHILIP
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Navy. Born: 11 September
1901, Henry, Ill. Appointed from: Illinois. Other Navy award: Legion
of Merit.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commander
of a Submarine Coordinated Attack Group with Flag in the U.S.S. Sculpin,
during the 9th War Patrol of that vessel in enemy-controlled waters
off Truk Island, 19 November 1943. Undertaking this patrol prior to
the launching of our first large-scale offensive in the Pacific, Capt.
Cromwell, alone of the entire Task Group, possessed secret intelligence
information of our submarine strategy and tactics, scheduled Fleet movements
and specific attack plans. Constantly vigilant and precise in carrying
out his secret orders, he moved his underseas flotilla inexorably forward
despite savage opposition and established a line of submarines to southeastward
of the main Japanese stronghold at Truk. Cool and undaunted as the submarine,
rocked and battered by Japanese depth charges, sustained terrific battle
damage and sank to an excessive depth, he authorized the Sculpin to
surface and engage the enemy in a gunfight, thereby providing an opportunity
for the crew to abandon ship. Determined to sacrifice himself rather
than risk capture and subsequent danger of revealing plans under Japanese
torture or use of drugs, he stoically remained aboard the mortally wounded
vessel as she plunged to her death. Preserving the security of his mission,
at the cost of his own life, he had served his country as he had served
the Navy, with deep integrity and an uncompromising devotion to duty.
His great moral courage in the face of certain death adds new luster
to the traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
CURREY, FRANCIS S.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company K, 120th
Infantry, 30th Infantry Division. Place and date: Malmedy, Belgium,
21 December 1944. Entered service at: Hurleyville, N.Y. Birth: Loch
Sheldrake, N.Y. G.O. No.: 69, 17 August 1945.
Citation: He was an automatic rifleman with the
3d Platoon defending a strong point near Malmedy, Belgium, on 21 December
1944, when the enemy launched a powerful attack. Overrunning tank destroyers
and antitank guns located near the strong point, German tanks advanced
to the 3d Platoon's position, and, after prolonged fighting, forced
the withdrawal of this group to a nearby factory. Sgt. Currey found
a bazooka in the building and crossed the street to secure rockets meanwhile
enduring intense fire from enemy tanks and hostile infantrymen who had
taken up a position at a house a short distance away. In the face of
small-arms, machinegun, and artillery fire, he, with a companion, knocked
out a tank with 1 shot. Moving to another position, he observed 3 Germans
in the doorway of an enemy-held house. He killed or wounded all 3 with
his automatic rifle. He emerged from cover and advanced alone to within
50 yards of the house, intent on wrecking it with rockets. Covered by
friendly fire, he stood erect, and fired a shot which knocked down half
of 1 wall. While in this forward position, he observed 5 Americans who
had been pinned down for hours by fire from the house and 3 tanks. Realizing
that they could not escape until the enemy tank and infantry guns had
been silenced, Sgt. Currey crossed the street to a vehicle, where he
procured an armful of antitank grenades. These he launched while under
heavy enemy fire, driving the tankmen from the vehicles into the house.
He then climbed onto a half-track in full view of the Germans and fired
a machinegun at the house. Once again changing his position, he manned
another machinegun whose crew had been killed; under his covering fire
the 5 soldiers were able to retire to safety. Deprived of tanks and
with heavy infantry casualties, the enemy was forced to withdraw. Through
his extensive knowledge of weapons and by his heroic and repeated braving
of murderous enemy fire, Sgt. Currey was greatly responsible for inflicting
heavy losses in men and material on the enemy, for rescuing 5 comrades,
2 of whom were wounded, and for stemming an attack which threatened
to flank his battalion's position.
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