History 

 

History of 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines

“Mayhem From the Heartland”

 

2nd Battalion, 24th Marines is a Reserve Infantry Battalion headquartered in Chicago, IL. 

 

To understand our unit’s history and affiliation with the city of Chicago, you must first understand the origins of how the first Marines came to “occupy” the Windy City.   

 

The Origin of the “Chicago Marines”

 

The City of Chicago has deep historical ties to the United States Marine Corps dating back over 150 years.  This relationship began on May 16, 1866, when First Lieutenant Henry Clay Cochrane arrived in Chicago and rented two rooms in the Pardee Building to serve as the new Recruiting Station in Chicago.

 

Three days later, after publishing a small advertisement in the Chicago Tribune on Saturday, May 19, 1866, Chicago’s first Marine Corps Recruiting Station was open for business.

 

For a number of years, the recruiting station was the primary Marine Corps presence in Chicago.  Then in 1926, the 306th Reserve Company was activated.  In 1935 this company joined with several other companies in the area to form the 9th Infantry Battalion.  This new infantry battalion of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors was located on Chicago’s Navy Pier and and soon proudly became known as the “Chicago Marines”.

 

The 9th Infantry Battalion mobilized in November 1940 in preparation for World War II.   and its members were pulled in the regular Marine Corps.  As a result, many of Chicago’s Marines linked up with a new battalion that had formed to fight the war in the Pacific. 

 

This command was 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines.

 

A Command is Formed…

 

      2nd Battalion, 24th Marines was initially activated on 20 January 1943 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  Just one month later, the command was relocated to Camp Pendleton, California where they trained hard in preparation for an imminent deployment supporting the Pacific Campaign. 

 

World War II

 

2nd Battalion, 24th Marines saw their first action during the invasion of the Marshall Islands on 1 February 1944.  The Command participated in the Battle of Kwajalein and aided the success of securing the first portion of the Japanese Empire to be conquered by the United States in World War II. 

 

On 15 June 1944, the battalion made the landing on Saipan, one of the Mariana Islands in the Pacific.  Just fifteen days after successfully securing Saipan, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines were ordered to participate in the assault onto the island of Tinian.   On the backs of our hard-fighting Marines, the island was secured it in only eight days.  The battalion received its first Presidential Unit Citation for their action during these two island captures.

 

On 19 February 1945, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines landed on Iwo Jima and fought for 35 days until the island was finally secured on 19 March 1945.  The battalion was awarded a second Presidential Unit Citation for the courageous actions taken to secure Iwo Jima.  

 

Captain Joseph J. McCarthy, Commanding Officer, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, and a Chief in the Chicago Fire Department, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallantry during the battle on Iwo.  

 

The battalion relocated to Maui Hawaii in April 1945 and then, shortly after the Japanese surrender, moved back to Camp Pendleton, California where 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines was officially deactivated in on 31 October 1945.

 

After the war, the 9th Infantry Battalion formed back up and returned to their home to the Midwest.

 

Korean Conflict

 

In October 1950, the 9th Reserve Infantry Battalion was again mobilized from Chicago and sent to Camp Pendleton, California to await their deployment to Korea, where the “Chicago Marines” distinguished themselves, yet again, in combat during the Korean War.

 

The Rebirth of a Command

 

      As a result of a restructuring in the Reserve component of the Marine Corps, on 1 July 1962 the 9th Infantry Battalion was deactivated and all of the Marines were reassigned to a command with whom they had served with...

 

Again, this command was 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines and they were now officially reactivated and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.   

 

The Gulf War

 

On 30 November 1990, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines was mobilized as a result of the Presidential call for support of Operation Desert Shield.  Upon the battalion’s arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it was assigned the mission of security for many critical facilities.

 

2nd Battalion, 24th Marines was initially assigned the mission of protecting the I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) Commander’s primary bases in Northern Saudi Arabia.  These included the Naval Air Field at Al Jubail, the ammunition storage site near Abu Hadriah, the I MEF Headquarters at Ras Safanya and the Marine Aircraft Group 16 located at Tanajib.  In all, 2/24 Warriors provided security for an area over 40 miles wide and 135 miles deep.

 

As Operation Desert Storm commenced, the area of responsibility increased further west to Kibrit and north to Al Khanjar.  During the ground war, 2/24 provided security to the largest ammunition supply point in the country, the loss of which would have critically impaired the ground offensive.  During the liberation of Kuwait, elements of 2/24 provided security to the I MEF Command Post in Kuwait.  They also took up defensive positions at the Al Jaber Airfield located south of Kuwait City.

 

In addition to providing security, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines was also responsible for handling and processing over 10,300 enemy prisoners of war in a 96-hour period.  The battalion returned to Chicago on May 12, 1991 after five months of deployment, which included three and a half months in Southwest Asia.

 

Global War on Terror

 

“Chicago’s Marines” was mobilized again in June 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).  The battalion trained at Camp Pendleton until August 2004 when they relocated to Mahmudiyah, in the North Babil Province of Iraq, an area known as the “Triangle of Death.”  There the battalion engaged in intense combat operations against members of the Iraqi insurgency.  They made Marine Corps history when 2/24 became the first reserve infantry battalion of OIF to operate independently with its own forward operating base.

 

Two-time Pulitzer Prize Winner John F. Burns, the Chief Foreign Correspondent of the New York Times, described his time spent with 2/24: “A week with the 2/24 Marines at their bases 15 to 30 miles south of Baghdad, in the heart of the area known as the Triangle of Death, was a window on the demands being made of reservists, and on the resourcefulness and resilience they bring to the challenges.  There is little they cannot do, with hard work and improvisation, the battalion’s officers say, reflecting the widely varied backgrounds of the men in the Chicago-based unit – doctors, policemen, engineers, teachers, carpenters, truck drivers, lawyers, computer specialists, community counselors, college students, to name a few.”

 

After establishing strong points in the area, working closely with the Iraqi Army and Police, providing security for the first open democratic elections in Iraq and arresting over 1,000 suspected insurgents—all with high conviction rates, 2/24 returned to California in March 2005 and were deactivated in May 2005.

 

On September 10, 2007, 2/24 was once again activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and relocated to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, California.  The battalion began its tour in January 2008 and operated in the vicinity of Habbaniyah, in a base formerly known as RAF Habbaniya.  On August 10, 2008 they turned over their area of operations to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines and returned, once again, to their homes in the “Heartland of America”.

HEROES WHO SERVED IN 2ND BATTALION, 24TH MARINES

McCarthy, Joseph Jeremiah

Medal of Honor

Citation:

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain Joseph Jeremiah McCarthy (MCSN: 0-11098), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of Company G, attached to the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Determined to break through the enemy's cross-island defenses, Captain McCarthy acted on his own initiative when his company advance was held up by uninterrupted Japanese rifle, machinegun, and high-velocity 47-mm. fire during the approach to Motoyama Airfield No. 2. Quickly organizing a demolitions and flamethrower team to accompany his picked rifle squad, he fearlessly led the way across 75 yards of fire-swept ground, charged a heavily fortified pillbox on the ridge of the front and, personally hurling hand grenades into the emplacement as he directed the combined operations of his small assault group, completely destroyed the hostile installation. Spotting two Japanese soldiers attempting an escape from the shattered pillbox, he boldly stood upright in full view of the enemy and dispatched both troops before advancing to a second emplacement under greatly intensified fire and then blasted the strong fortifications with a well-planned demolitions attack. Subsequently entering the ruins, he found a Japanese taking aim at one of our men and, with alert presence of mind, jumped the enemy, disarmed and shot him with his own weapon. Then, intent on smashing through the narrow breach, he rallied the remainder of his company and pressed a full attack with furious aggressiveness until he had neutralized all resistance and captured the ridge. An inspiring leader and indomitable fighter, Captain McCarthy consistently disregarded all personal danger during the fierce conflict and, by his brilliant professional skill, daring tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, contributed materially to the success of his division's operations against this savagely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His cool decision and outstanding valor reflect the highest credit upon Captain McCarthy and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Born: August 10, 1912 at at Chicago, Illinois

Home Town: Chicago, Illinois

Death: June 15, 1996 - Buried at: Arlington National Cemetery - Arlington, Virginia

Personal Awards: Medal of Honor (WWII), Silver Star (WWII), 2@ Purple Hearts

 

Carter, James Daniel

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander (MC), [then Lieutenant] James Daniel Carter, United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Battalion Surgeon of the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. Subjected to a heavy enemy mortar, artillery and high velocity anti-tank barrage falling on the aid station on 21 February, Lieutenant Commander Carter continued to treat six casualties despite at least ten direct hits on the aid station. Although wounded during this attack, he supervised his patients' evacuation to covered positions. During the period of bombardment, he treated over sixty casualties although it was impossible to move about without being exposed to air-bursting artillery shells. On 24 February, Lieutenant Commander Carter again braved heavy fire to organize an advance aid station and administer first aid to ten casualties lying in an exposed location. By his courage, determination, and untiring devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Carter saved many lives from certain death. His professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Home Town: New York, New York

 

Garretson, Frank E.

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Frank E. Garretson (MCSN: 0-7639), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the attack on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, on 1 and 2 February 1944. Although twice wounded when his company sustained heavy casualties as a result of a blockhouse explosion, Captain Garretson refused evacuation and valiantly led the remained of his forces to the Battalion objective where, in the face of heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire, he directed scattered elements of the landing team in the reorganization and consolidation of the position. Later, after a coordinated attack by tanks and infantry had been ordered, he intercepted the tank support which had opened fire prematurely before reaching the line of departure and, fearlessly exposing himself to fire from the Japanese and from friendly tanks, succeeded in having the word relayed to cease all tank firing and at the same time gave instructions for the tank deployment during the impending attack. By his superb performance of duty and courageous leadership, Captain Garretson inspired all with whom he served and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

·   SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 2788 (SofN Signed January 26, 1948)

Born: February 27, 1918 at at Salem, Iowa

Home Town: Seattle, Washington

 

Mitchell, James T.

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant James T. Mitchell (MCSN: 254161), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Squad Leader, serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. Leading a small combat patrol into an enemy-infested wooded draw on 4 July, Sergeant Mitchell aided his men in the annihilation of seven of the enemy. Obtaining more Marines as resistance increased, he continued to push forward and, despite two saber wounds sustained during his action, succeeded in annihilating additional Japanese and in gaining valuable information as to the extent and strength of enemy positions. When his company had become dangerously pinned down by hostile enfilade rifle and machine-gun fire and had suffered ten casualties, six of whom were lying in an exposed position pleading for help on 9 July, he volunteered to lead a group of six Marines to administer first aid and evacuate the men to safety. Wounded in the leg while performing this act, he refused evacuation and, during the hazardous five hours that followed skillfully assisted in the almost insurmountable task of slowly transporting the casualties over a jagged coral on improvised litters to safety on high ground to the rear. Again refusing treatment or evacuation until his comrades had been taken to the aid station, he was instrumental in saving at least six lives, and served as an inspiration to the men of his company. Sergeant Mitchell's courage, initiative and devotion to duty throughout this period of grave peril enhanced and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

·   Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 1024 (SofN Signed July 21, 1947)

Born: August 23, 1920 at at Arcadia, Kansas

Home Town: Springfield, Illinois

 

*Murphree, Jesse E. [KIA (WWII)]

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Jesse E. Murphree (MCSN: 491461), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as acting Platoon Leader, serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 15 March 1945. Sustaining painful wounds on two separate occasions while serving successively during the early phases of hostilities against this heavily fortified stronghold, Sergeant Murphree steadfastly refused evacuation and, consistently pushing the attack to the limit of his endurance, led his men and inspired them to heroic effort during the continued drive to capture the island. With his platoon pinned down by shattering grenade, mortar, small-arms and machine-gun fire during an advance against a well-concealed enemy entrenchment on 6 March, he promptly seized his bazooka and, crawling alone through the intense barrage, delivered a devastating attack from an exposed position to silence the fire and enable his company to advance. Concerned only for the safety of others when five Japanese soldiers infiltrated a near-by line of defense prior to dawn on 9 March, Sergeant Murphree voluntarily left the cover of his foxhole and moved through the darkness over rough, broken terrain for a distance of fifty yards and, vigorously engaging three of the enemy in fierce combat, killed each in turn and put the others to flight. Fatally struck down by a sniper's bullet while crossing a hostile fire lane in advance of his depleted platoon on 15 March, Sergeant Murphree, by his gallant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and bold tactics maintained throughout each bitterly fought engagement, had contributed materially to the success of the Iwo Jima campaign and his constant devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself, his intrepid Marines and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

·   Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 34407 (June 3, 1946)

Born: Lambert, Mississippi

Home Town: Lyon, Mississippi

Death: Killed in Action

 

Osborn, Stanley E.

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Stanley E. Osborn (MCSN: 0-24345), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Marianas Islands, 24 July 1944. With nineteen men left in his platoon following the company landing in the assault wave and its progress inland to the first objective, Second Lieutenant Osborn braved intense enemy fire and, moving from foxhole to foxhole, encouraged his men to repel a hostile counterattack which was directed at his platoon at close quarters. Although the enemy's tactics of hitting, re-forming and hitting again at the same spot wounded many of his men and placed his group in danger of being completely surrounded, he urged his platoon to remain in position until the attack was broken up at daybreak with heavy personnel losses to the Japanese. His inspiring leadership, courage under fire and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Osborn and the United States Naval Service.

·   Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 19648

Born: Utica, New York

Home Town: Easton, Pennsylvania

 

*Pound, Henry T. [KIA (WWII)]

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private Henry T. Pound (MCSN: 993448), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Rifleman, serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. Climbing to the top of a jagged, towering rock on Hill 382 during a fierce skirmish with the Japanese in one of the strongest enemy defensive sectors, Private Pound repeatedly exposed himself to intense rifle, grenade and machine-gun barrages in order to fire upon the many Japanese running intermittently from their caves in desperate delaying counterattacks against our advancing Marines. With hostile hand grenades exploding dangerously close to his vulnerable position and bullets whining past him, once piercing his helmet and twice damaging rifles in his hand, Private Pound maintained steady fire upon all Japanese coming within range of his deadly weapon and, making his way toward the rear area on two occasions for spare rifles and additional ammunition, returned each time to the rocky pinnacle and resumed his daring action, killing at lest two of the enemy and pinning many more inside their caves and emplacements. Taking up his station again, following a second trip to the rear lines, he continued to wage a bitter fight against the fanatic enemy, completing ninety minutes of almost constant exposure to intense fire before he fell, mortally wounded. His fearless initiative, indomitable spirit, unyielding courage and heroic devotion to duty at grave personal risk were inspiring to those with whom he served and reflect the highest credit upon Private Pound and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

·   Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 35576 (December 14, 1945)

Born: Gaston, South Carolina

Home Town: Lexington, South Carolina

Death: Killed in Action

 

Ridlon, Walter J., Jr.

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Walter J. Ridlon, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7777), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. When all his officer platoon leaders and many non-commissioned officers were wounded during several unsuccessful attempts to attack and capture a strongly defended hostile position, Captain Ridlon moved forward of his company alone, assaulted two enemy bunkers with grenades and, calling for a flame thrower operator, covered the entrance to the first bunker while the operator shot a flame into the same emplacement. Constantly under heavy fire from the right which incapacitated the flame thrower operator, he continued forward to the second bunker alone and, although painfully wounded by grenades when several Japanese ran out, succeeded in neutralizing the second entrenchment. Ordering his company to move forward and join him on the ridge, he established a strong defensive position for the night and, refusing evacuation for his wounds, brilliantly led them during the remained of the operation. By his valor and quick thinking at a precarious moment, he rallied his troops and directed them in occupying an important objective. His indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Ridlon and the United States Naval Service.

·   SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 46173

Born: Medford, Massachusetts

Home Town: Medford, Massachusetts

 

Sganga, Joseph T.

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Joseph T. Sganga (MCSN: 502740), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 5 March 1945. Voluntarily going forward of the front lines, Corporal Sganga directed a tank over almost impassable terrain in order to bring fire upon fortified enemy positions that were retarding the advance of his company. Although the tank was subjected to heavy small-arms and mortar fire, he remained on the tank telephone, directing fire until the resistance was neutralized. When a tank which had completed its mission was unable to withdraw because of hostile mortar fire and poor visibility over rough, rocky, mine-infested terrain later that same day, he braved a heavy mortar barrage to go to the aid of the tank and guide it in its withdrawal. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Sganga and the United States Naval Service.

·   SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 41627

Born: Brooklyn, New York

Home Town: Brooklyn, New York

 

*Sherwood, James E. [KIA (WWII)]

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Pharmacist's Mate Third Class James E. Sherwood (NSN: 7338292), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan in the Marianas Islands, during the period 15 June 1944 through 7 July 1944. On 6 July 1944, Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Sherwood was aiding the company to which he was assigned in the mission of mopping up remaining Japanese resistance on a heavily wooded hill. While carrying out this mission, several Marines were wounded by well-concealed enemy machine guns. One Marine was lying helpless and badly wounded in the field of fire of one such gun. Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Sherwood, although warned of his certain injury or death if he should attempt to aid the wounded Marine, disregarded these warnings and his personal safety and bravely went to the Marine's side. While attempting to drag the Marine to cover and administer first aid, a burst of enemy machine gun fire killed the wounded Marine and mortally wounded Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Sherwood in the chest. He dragged himself out of the line of fire and while still conscious calmly directed medical aid for two other wounded Marines and himself. He refused to be evacuated until one of the Marines had been taken to the aid station. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Sherwood undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

·   Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 12683 (January 16, 1945)

Born: March 19, 1923 at at Portland, Oregon

Home Town: Bremerton, Washington

Death: Killed in Action

Personal Awards: Navy Cross (WWII), Purple Heart

 

Snieckus, Bronislow A.

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Bronislow A. Snieckus (MCSN: 460430), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader and Gunner of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on against enemy Japanese forces on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, on 1 February 1944. When the tanks turned aside while his squad was participating in an armored and infantry attack through an area covered by thick undergrowth, Private First Class Snieckus fearlessly moved forward with his machine gun in his arms and engaged the enemy in a fire fight. After setting up his weapon in the normal position, he delivered an effective volume of fire and succeeded in repulsing two hostile counterattacks despite heavy enemy fire. Although painfully wounded while repulsing the second assault, he remained in position and continued to direct the fire of his machine gun and to fire his carbine until ordered to withdraw. By his aggressive fighting spirit, personal valor and courageous initiative, Private First Class Snieckus served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

·   SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 3777 (SofN Approved 1954)

Born: Waterbury, Connecticut

Home Town: Waterbury, Connecticut

Personal Awards: Navy Cross (WWII), 2@ Purple Hearts

 

*West, William R. [KIA (WWII)]

Navy Cross

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William R. West (MCSN: 0-15328), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader attached to the Second Battalion, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Immediately after landing, First Lieutenant West daringly led an assault on a hostile blockhouse and, throwing a smoke grenade through an embrasure, succeeded in driving approximately thirty-five of the enemy from their position. As they ran out, he sprang to his feet and, at great personal risk, opened fire with his revolver, killing and wounding a number of the Japanese and dispersing the others. A short time later, realizing that one of his men lay wounded about fifty yards away, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire to go to the Marine's assistance and bring him to cover. First Lieutenant West's extreme bravery and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

·   Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 2540 (May 31, 1944)

Born: Ruleville, Mississippi

Home Town: Moorhead, Mississippi

Death: Killed in Action

 

Rothwell, Richard

Silver Star

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Rothwell (MCSN: 0-5302), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of a Landing Team of the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in actions against the enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. With only two waves dispatched to the beach on 19 February, Lieutenant Colonel Rothwell received order to pass his landing tam through an assault unit that had received heavy casualties, thereby insuring contact with elements on the flanks in order to establish firmly the initial beachhead for the night. Landing at 1630 in the face of intense hostile fire, he organized his team and issued the necessary orders for the relief of the badly depleted assault landing team by 1830, with a minimum of casualties to his own unit. Expeditiously effecting the relief, he aided in the capture of the airfield the following day and, throughout the following days of the operation, directed his landing team in the ultimate capture of Hill 382, although the team was seriously depleted by many casualties. In addition, he visited observation posts which were known to be registration points for enemy mortars and artillery and was under fire in the front lines on numerous occasions. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

Legion of Merit with Combat "V"

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Rothwell (MCSN: 0-5302), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Inculcating in his troops his own indomitable fighting spirit, Lieutenant Colonel Rothwell fearlessly exposed himself to bitter enemy fire during numerous reconnaissances to the front lines and, despite physical exhaustion, diligently led his battalion in clearing by-passed pockets of resistance during the last days of the campaign on Marpi Point where large groups of innocent civilians were intermingled with Japanese military forces. With a minimum of casualties among his own men, Lieutenant Colonel Rothwell succeeded in killing all resisting Japanese or in forcing their surrender and, at the same time, successfully evacuated the civilians who would otherwise have been killed by the enemy. By his courageous initiative, aggressiveness and vigilance, Lieutenant Colonel Rothwell contributed materially to the success of our operations against this heavily fortified Japanese stronghold, and his devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Rothwell is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)

Born: Washington, D.C.

Home Town: Washington, D.C.

Personal Awards: Silver Star (WWII), Legion of Merit w/V