Congressional Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress, it is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor. A * denotes honor bestowed posthumously.

ADAMS, STANLEY T.
Korean War
Rank and organization: Master Sergeant (then Sfc.), U.S. Army, Company A, 19th Infantry Regiment
Place and date: Near Sesim-ni, Korea, February 4, 1951
Entered service at: Olathe, Kansas
Born: May 9. 1922, DeSoto, Kanssas
G.O. No.: 66, August 2, 1951
Citation: Master Sergeant Adams, Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy. At approximately 0100 hours, Master Sergeant Adams' platoon, holding an outpost some 200 yards ahead of his company, came under a determined attack by an estimated 250 enemy troops. Intense small-arms, machine gun, and mortar fire from 3 sides pressed the platoon back against the main line of resistance. Observing approximately 150 hostile troops silhouetted against the skyline advancing against his platoon, Master Sergeant Adams leaped to his feet, urged his men to fix bayonets, and he, with 13 members of his platoon, charged this hostile force with indomitable courage. Within 50 yards of the enemy Master Sergeant Adams was knocked to the ground when pierced in the leg by an enemy bullet. He jumped to his feet and, ignoring his wound, continued on to close with the enemy when he was knocked down 4 times from the concussion of grenades which had bounced off his body. Shouting orders he charged the enemy positions and engaged them in hand-to-hand combat where man after man fell before his terrific onslaught with bayonet and rifle butt. After nearly an hour of vicious action Master Sergeant Adams and his comrades routed the fanatical foe, killing over 50 and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Upon receiving orders that his battalion was moving back he provided cover fire while his men withdrew. Master Sergeant Adams' superb leadership, incredible courage, and consummate devotion to duty so inspired his comrades that the enemy attack was completely thwarted, saving his battalion from possible disaster. His sustained personal bravery and indomitable fighting spirit against overwhelming odds reflect the utmost glory upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the infantry and the military service.

BALCH, JOHN HENRY
World War I
Rank and organization: Pharmacist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy
Place and date: Vierzy, France, and Somme-Py, France, July 19 and October 5, 1918
Entered service at: Kansas City, Missouri
Born: January 2, 1896, Edgerton, Kansas
Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, with the 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, in action at Vierzy, on 19 July 1918. Balch unhesitatingly and fearlessly exposed himself to terrific machine gun and high-explosive fire to succor the wounded as they fell in the attack, leaving his dressing station voluntarily and keeping up the work all day and late into the night unceasingly for 16 hours. Also in the action at Somme-Py on October 5, 1918, he exhibited exceptional bravery in establishing an advanced dressing station under heavy shellfire.

*BAUER, HAROLD WILLIAM
World War II
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Born: November 20, 1908. Woodruff, Kansas
Appointed from: Nebraska
Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage as Squadron Commander of Marine Fighting Squadron 212 in the South Pacific Area during the period May 10 to November 14, 1942. Volunteering to pilot a fighter plane in defense of our positions on Guadalcanal, Lieutenant Colonel Bauer participated in 2 air battles against enemy bombers and fighters outnumbering our force more than 2 to 1, boldly engaged the enemy and destroyed 1 Japanese bomber in the engagement of September 28 and shot down 4 enemy fighter planes in flames on October 3, leaving a fifth smoking badly. After successfully leading 26 planes on an over-water ferry flight of more than 600 miles on October 16, Lieutenant Colonel Bauer, while circling to land, sighted a squadron of enemy planes attacking the U.S.S. McFarland. Undaunted by the formidable opposition and with valor above and beyond the call of duty, he engaged the entire squadron and, although alone and his fuel supply nearly exhausted, fought his plane so brilliantly that 4 of the Japanese planes were destroyed before he was forced down by lack of fuel. His intrepid fighting spirit and distinctive ability as a leader and an airman, exemplified in his splendid record of combat achievement, were vital factors in the successful operations in the South Pacific Area.

*BLECKLEY, ERWIN R. (Air Mission)
World War I
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 130th Field Artillery, observer 50th Aero Squadron, Air Service
Place and date: Near Binarville, France, October 6, 1918
Entered service at: Wichita, Kansas
Birth: Wichita, Kansas
G.O. No.: 56, W.D., 1922
Citation: Second Lieutenant Bleckley, with his pilot, First Lieutenant Harold E. Goettler, Air Service, left the airdrome late in the afternoon on their second trip to drop supplies to a battalion of the 77th Division, which had been cut off by the enemy in the Argonne Forest. Having been subjected on the first trip to violent fire from the enemy, they attempted on the second trip to come still lower in order to get the packages even more precisely on the designated spot. In the course of his mission the plane was brought down by enemy rifle and machine gun fire from the ground, resulting in fatal wounds to Second Lieutenant Bleckley, who died before he could be taken to a hospital. In attempting and performing this mission Second Lieutenant Bleckley showed the highest possible contempt of personal danger, devotion to duty, courage, and valor.

EHLERS, WALTER D.
World War II
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division
Place and date: Near Goville, France, June 9-10, 1944
Entered service at: Manhattan, Kansas
Birth: Junction City, Kansas
G.O. No.: 91, December 19, 1944
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on June 9-10, 1944, near Goville, France
Staff Sergeant Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership. Without waiting for an order, Staff Sergeant Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strong point, personally killing 4 of an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling forward under withering machine gun fire, he pounced upon the gun crew and put it out of action. Turning his attention to 2 mortars protected by the crossfire of 2 machine guns, Staff Sergeant Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing 3 men himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machine gun, his progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed. The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the platoon of which Staff Sergeant Ehlers was a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. Staff Sergeant Ehlers, after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of his own squad to withdraw. At this point, though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness displayed by Staff Sergeant Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others.

FERGUSON, ARTHUR M.
Philippine Insurrection
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 36th Infantry, U.S. Volunteers
Place and date: Near Porac, Luzon, Philippine Islands, September 28, 1899
Entered service at: Burlington, Kansas
Birth: Coffey County, Kansas
Date of issue: March 8, 1902
Citation: Charged alone a body of the enemy and captured a captain.

FOSTER, PAUL FREDERICK
Philippine Insurrection
Rank and organization: Ensign, U.S. Navy
Place and date: Vera Cruz, Mexico, April 21-22, 1914
Entered service at: Kansas
Birth: Wichita, Kansas
G.O. No.: 177, December 4, 1915
Citation: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, April 21-22, 1914
In both days' fighting at the head of his company, Ens. Foster was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage.

FUNSTON, FREDERICK
Philippine Insurrection
Rank and organization: Colonel, 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry
Place and date: At Rio Grande de la Pampanga, Luzon, Philippine Islands, April 27, 1899
Entered service at: Iola, Kansas
Birth: Springfield, Ohio
Date of issue: February 14, 1900
Citation: Crossed the river on a raft and by his skill and daring enabled the general commanding to carry the enemy's entrenched position on the north bank of the river and to drive him with great loss from the important strategic position of Calumpit.

*HAWKINS, WILLIAM DEAN
World War II
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Born: April 19, 1914, Fort Scott, Kansas
Appointed from: El Paso, Texas
Citation: For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of a Scout Sniper Platoon attached to the Assault Regiment in action against Japanese-held Tarawa in the Gilbert Island, November 20-21, 1943.
The first to disembark from the jeep lighter, First Lieutenant Hawkins unhesitatingly moved forward under heavy enemy fire at the end of the Betio Pier, neutralizing emplacements in coverage of troops assaulting the main beach positions. Fearlessly leading his men on to join the forces fighting desperately to gain a beachhead, he repeatedly risked his life throughout the day and night to direct and lead attacks on pillboxes and installations with grenades and demolitions. At dawn on the following day, First Lieutenant Hawkins resumed the dangerous mission of clearing the limited beachhead of Japanese resistance, personally initiating an assault on a hostile position fortified by S enemy machine guns, and, crawling forward in the face of withering fire, boldly fired pointblank into the loopholes and completed the destruction with grenades. Refusing to withdraw after being seriously wounded in the chest during this skirmish, First Lieutenant Hawkins steadfastly carried the fight to the enemy, destroying 3 more pillboxes before he was caught in a burst of Japanese shellfire and mortally wounded. His relentless fighting spirit in the face of formidable opposition and his exceptionally daring tactics served as an inspiration to his comrades during the most crucial phase of the battle and

HENDERSON, JOSEPH
Philippine Insurrection
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop B, 6th U.S. Cavalry
Place and date: At Patian Island, Philippine Islands, July 2, 1909
Entered service at: Leavenworth, Kansas
Birth: Leavenworth, Kansas
Date of issue: Unknown
Citation: While in action against hostile Moros, voluntarily advanced alone, in the face of a heavy fire, to within about 15 yards of the hostile position and refastened to a tree a block and tackle used in checking the recoil of a mountain gun.

JOHNSTON, HAROLD I.
World War I
Rank and organization: Sergeant (then Private First Class), U.S. Army, Company A, 356th Infantry, 89th Division
Place and date: Near Pouilly, France, November 9, 1918
Entered service at: Chicago, Illinois
Birth: Kendell, Kansas
G.O. No.: 20, W.D., 1919
Citation: When information was desired as to the enemy's position on the opposite side of the Meuse River, Sgt. Johnston, with another soldier, volunteered without hesitation and swam the river to reconnoiter the exact location of the enemy. He succeeded in reaching the opposite bank, despite the evident determination of the enemy to prevent a crossing. Having obtained his information, he again entered the water for his return. This was accomplished after a severe struggle which so exhausted him that he had to be assisted from the water, after which he rendered his report of the exploit.

Kapaun, Emil J.
Korean War
Rank and organization: U.S. Army Chaplain
Place and date: November 1-2, 1950
Entered service at: Herington, Kansas
Birth: Pilsen, Kansas
G.O. No.: 2021
Citation: Chaplain Emil J. Kapaun distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy at Unsan, Korea, from November 1-2, 1950. On November 1, as Chinese Communist Forces viciously attacked friendly elements, Chaplain Kapaun calmly walked through withering enemy fire in order to provide comfort and medical aid to his comrades and rescue friendly wounded from no-man's land. Though the Americans successfully repelled the assault, they found themselves surrounded by the enemy. Facing annihilation, the able-bodied men were ordered to evacuate. However, Chaplain Kapaun, fully aware of his certain capture, elected to stay behind with the wounded. After the enemy succeeded in breaking through the defense in the early morning hours of November 2, Chaplain Kapaun continually made rounds, as hand-to-hand combat ensued. As Chinese Communist Forces approached the American position, Chaplain Kapaun noticed an injured Chinese officer amongst the wounded and convinced him to negotiate the safe surrender of the American Forces. Shortly after his capture, Chaplain Kapaun, with complete disregard for his personal safety and unwavering resolve, bravely pushed aside an enemy soldier preparing to execute Sergeant First Class Herbert A. Miller. Not only did Chaplain Kapaun's gallantry save the life of Sergeant Miller, but also his unparalleled courage and leadership inspired all those present, including those who might have otherwise fled in panic, to remain and fight the enemy until captured. Chaplain Kapaun's extraordinary heroism and selflessness, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.

McCALL, THOMAS E.
World War II
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company F, 143d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division
Place and date: Near San Angelo, Italy, January 22, 1944
Entered service at: Veedersburg, Indiana
Birth: Burton, Kansas
G.O. No.: 31, April 17, 1945
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On January 22, 1944, Company F had the mission of crossing the Rapido River in the vicinity of San Angelo, Italy, and attacking the well-prepared German positions to the west. For the defense of these positions the enemy had prepared a network of machine gun positions covering the terrain to the front with a pattern of withering machine gun fire, and mortar and artillery positions zeroed in on the defilade or shielded areas. Staff Sergeant McCall commanded a machine gun section that was to provide added fire support for the riflemen. Under cover of darkness, Company F advanced to the river crossing site and under intense enemy mortar, artillery, and machine gun fire crossed an ice-covered bridge which was continually the target for enemy fire. Many casualties occurred on reaching the west side of the river and reorganization was imperative. Exposing himself to the deadly enemy machine gun and small arms fire that swept over the flat terrain, Staff Sergeant McCall, with unusual calmness, encouraged and welded his men into an effective fighting unit. He then led them forward across the muddy, exposed terrain. Skillfully he guided his men through a barbed-wire entanglement to reach a road where he personally placed the weapons of his two squads into positions of vantage, covering the battalion's front. A shell landed near one of the positions, wounding the gunner, killing the assistant gunner, and destroying the weapon. Even though enemy shells were falling dangerously near, Staff Sergeant McCall crawled across the treacherous terrain and rendered first aid to the wounded man, dragging him into a position of cover with the help of another man. The gunners of the second machine gun had been wounded from the fragments of an enemy shell, leaving Staff Sergeant McCall the only remaining member of his machine gun section. Displaying outstanding aggressiveness, he ran forward with the weapon on his hip, reaching a point 30 yards from the enemy, where he fired 2 bursts of fire into the nest, killing or wounding all of the crew and putting the gun out of action. A second machine gun now opened fire upon him and he rushed its position, firing his weapon from the hip, killing 4 of the gun crew. A third machine gun, 50 yards in rear of the first two, was delivering a tremendous volume of fire upon our troops. Staff Sergeant McCall spotted its position and valiantly went toward it in the face of overwhelming enemy fire. He was last seen courageously moving forward on the enemy position, firing his machine gun from his hip. Staff Sergeant McCall's intrepidity and unhesitating willingness to sacrifice his life exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

McGONAGLE, WILLIAM L.
Vietnam
Rank and organization: Captain (then Comdr.) U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Liberty (AGTR-5)
Place and date: International waters, Eastern Mediterranean, June 8-9, 1967
Entered service at: Thermal, California
Born: November 19, 1925, Wichita, Kansas
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sailing in international waters, the Liberty was attacked without warning by jet fighter aircraft and motor torpedo boats which inflicted many casualties among the crew and caused extreme damage to the ship. Although severely wounded during the first air attack, Captain McGonagle remained at his battle station on the badly damaged bridge and, with full knowledge of the seriousness of his wounds, subordinated his own welfare to the safety and survival of his command. Steadfastly refusing any treatment which would take him away from his post, he calmly continued to exercise firm command of his ship. Despite continuous exposure to fire, he maneuvered his ship, directed its defense, supervised the control of flooding and fire, and saw to the care of the casualties. Captain McGonagle's extraordinary valor under these conditions inspired the surviving members of the Liberty's crew, many of them seriously wounded, to heroic efforts to overcome the battle damage and keep the ship afloat. Subsequent to the attack, although in great pain and weak from the loss of blood, Captain McGonagle remained at his battle station and continued to command his ship for more than 17 hours. It was only after rendezvous with a U.S. destroyer that he relinquished personal control of the Liberty and permitted himself to be removed from the bridge. Even then, he refused much needed medical attention until convinced that the seriously wounded among his crew had been treated. Capt. McGonagle's superb professionalism, courageous fighting spirit, and valiant leadership saved his ship and many lives. His actions sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. (Captain McGonagle earned the Medal of Honor for actions that took place in international waters in the Eastern Mediterranean rather than in Vietnam.)

MALLON, GEORGE H.
World War I
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, 132d Infantry, 33d Division
Place and date: In the Bois-de-Forges, France, September 26, 1918
Entered service at: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Born: June 15, 1877, Ogden, Kansas
G.O. No.: 16, W.D., 1919
Citation: Becoming separated from the balance of his company because of a fog, Captain Mallon, with 9 soldiers, pushed forward and attacked 9 active hostile machineguns, capturing all of them without the loss of a man. Continuing on through the woods, he led his men in attacking a battery of four 155-millimeter howitzers, which were in action, rushing the position and capturing the battery and its crew. In this encounter Captain Mallon personally attacked 1 of the enemy with his fists. Later, when the party came upon 2 more machineguns, this officer sent men to the flanks while he rushed forward directly in the face of the fire and silenced the guns, being the first one of the party to reach the nest. The exceptional gallantry and determination displayed by Captain Mallon resulted in the capture of 100 prisoners, 11 machineguns, four 155-millimeter howitzers and 1 antiaircraft gun.

*PETERSEN, DANNY J.
Vietnam
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, January 9, 1970
Entered service at: Kansas City, Missouri
Born: March 11, 1949, Horton, Kansas
Citation: Specialist Fourth Class Petersen distinguished himself while serving as an armored personnel carrier commander with Company B during a combat operation against a North Vietnamese Army Force estimated to be of battalion size. During the initial contact with the enemy, an armored personnel carrier was disabled and the crewmen were pinned down by the heavy onslaught of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Specialist Fourth Class Petersen immediately maneuvered his armored personnel carrier to a position between the disabled vehicle and the enemy. He placed suppressive fire on the enemy's well-fortified position, thereby enabling the crew members of the disabled personnel carrier to repair their vehicle. He then maneuvered his vehicle, while still under heavy hostile fire to within 10 feet of the enemy's defensive emplacement. After a period of intense fighting, his vehicle received a direct hit and the driver was wounded. With extraordinary courage and selfless disregard for his own safety, Specialist Fourth Class Petersen carried his wounded comrade 45 meters across the bullet-swept field to a secure area. He then voluntarily returned to his disabled armored personnel carrier to provide covering fire for both the other vehicles and the dismounted personnel of his platoon as they withdrew. Despite heavy fire from 3 sides, he remained with his disabled vehicle, alone and completely exposed. Specialist Fourth Class Petersen was standing on top of his vehicle, firing his weapon, when he was mortally wounded. His heroic and selfless actions prevented further loss of life in his platoon. Specialist Fourth Class Petersen's conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism are in the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

*PITTS, RILEY LEROY
Vietnam
Rank and organization: Company C, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry
Place and date: Ap Dong, Republic of Vietnam, October 31, 1967
Entered service at: Wichita, Kansas
Born: October 15, 1937, Failis, Oklahoma
Citation: Captain Pitts distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while serving as company commander during an airmobile assault. Immediately after his company landed in the area, several Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons. Despite the enemy fire Captain Pitts forcefully led an assault which overran the enemy positions. Shortly thereafter Captain Pitts was ordered to move his unit to the north to reinforce another company heavily engaged against a strong enemy force. As Captain Pitts’ company moved forward to engage the enemy, intense fire was received from 3 directions, including fire from 4 enemy bunkers, 2 of which were within 15 meters of Captain Pitts' position. The severity of the incoming fire prevented Captain Pitts from maneuvering his company. His rifle fire proving ineffective against the enemy due to the dense jungle foliage, he picked up an M-79 grenade launcher and began pinpointing. Seizing a Chinese Communist grenade which had been taken from a captured Viet Cong's web gear, Captain Pitts lobbed the grenade at a bunker to his front, but it hit the dense jungle foliage and rebounded. Without hesitation, Captain Pitts threw himself on top of the grenade which, fortunately, failed to explode. Captain Pitts then directed the repositioning of the company to permit friendly artillery to be fired. Upon completion of the artillery fire mission, Captain Pitts again led his men toward the enemy position, personally killing at least 1 more Viet Cong. The jungle growth still prevented effective fire to be placed on the enemy bunkers. Captain Pitts, displaying complete disregard for his life and personal safety quickly moved to a position which permitted him to place effective fire on the enemy. He maintained a continuous fire pinpointing the enemy's fortified positions, while at the same time directing and urging his men forward, until he was mortally wounded. Captain Pitts' conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the Armed Forces of his country.

ROBB, GEORGE S.
World War I
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 369th Infantry, 93d Division
Place and date: Near Sechault, France, September 29-30, 1918
Entered service at: Salina, Kansas
Born: May 18, 1887, Assaria, Kansas
G.O. No.: 16, W.D., 1919
Citation: While leading his platoon in the assault First Lieutenant Robb was severely wounded by machine gun fire, but rather than go to the rear for proper treatment he remained with his platoon until ordered to the dressing station by his commanding officer. Returning within 45 minutes, he remained on duty throughout the entire night, inspecting his lines and establishing outposts. Early the next morning he was again wounded, once again displaying his remarkable devotion to duty by remaining in command of his platoon. Later the same day a bursting shell added 2 more wounds, the same shell killing his commanding officer and 2 officers of his company. He then assumed command of the company and organized its position in the trenches. Displaying wonderful courage and tenacity at the critical times, he was the only officer of his battalion who advanced beyond the town, and by clearing machinegun and sniping posts contributed largely to the aid of his battalion in holding their objective. His example of bravery and fortitude and his eagerness to continue with his mission despite severe wounds set before the enlisted men of his command a most wonderful standard of morale and self-sacrifice.

ROSS, DONALD KIRBY
World War II
Rank and organization: Machinist, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Nevada
Place and date: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, December 7, 1941
Entered service at: Denver, Colorado
Born: December 8, 1910, Beverly, Kansas
Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage and disregard of his own life during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. When his station in the forward dynamo room of the U.S.S. Nevada became almost untenable due to smoke, steam, and heat, Machinist Ross forced his men to leave that station and performed all the duties himself until blinded and unconscious. Upon being rescued and resuscitated, he returned and secured the forward dynamo room and proceeded to the after dynamo room where he was later again rendered unconscious by exhaustion. Again recovering consciousness he returned to his station where he remained until directed to abandon it.

*TIMMERMAN, GRANT FREDERICK
World War II
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Born: February 14, 1919, Americus, Kansas
Accredited to: Kansas
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 as tank commander serving with the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on July 8, 1944. Advancing with his tank a few yards ahead of the infantry in support of a vigorous attack on hostile positions, Sergeant Timmerman maintained steady fire from his antiaircraft sky mount machine gun until progress was impeded by a series of enemy trenches and pillboxes. Observing a target of opportunity, he immediately ordered the tank stopped and, mindful of the danger from the muzzle blast as he prepared to open fire with the 75mm., fearlessly stood up in the exposed turret and ordered the infantry to hit the deck. Quick to act as a grenade, hurled by the Japanese, was about to drop into the open turret hatch, Sergeant Timmerman unhesitatingly blocked the opening with his body holding the grenade against his chest and taking the brunt of the explosion. His exception valor and loyalty in saving his men at the cost of his own life reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Timmerman and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

TREMBLEY, WILLIAM B.
Philippine Insurrection
Rank and organization: Private, Company B, 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry
Place and date: At Calumpit, Luzon, Philippine Islands, April 27, 1899
Entered service at: Kansas City, Kansas
Birth: Johnson, Kansas
Date of issue: March 11, 1902
Citation: Swam the Rio Grande de Pampanga in face of the enemy's fire and fastened a rope to the occupied trenches, thereby enabling the crossing of the river and the driving of the enemy from his fortified position.

WALLACE, GEORGE W.
Philippine Insurrection
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, 9th U.S. Infantry
Place and date: At Tinuba, Luzon, Philippine Islands, March 4, 1900
Entered service at: Denver, Colorado
Birth: Fort Riley, Kansas
Date of issue: June 25, 1900
Citation: With another officer and a native Filipino, was shot at from an ambush, the other officer falling severely wounded. Second Lieutenant Wallace fired in the direction of the enemy, put them to rout, removed the wounded officer from the path, returned to the town, a mile distant, and summoned assistance from his command.

WHITE, EDWARD
Philippine Insurrection
Rank and organization: Private, Company B, 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry
Place and date: At Calumpit, Luzon, Philippine Islands, April 27, 1899
Entered service at: Kansas City, Kansas
Birth: Seneca, Kansas
Date of issue: March 11, 1902
Citation: Swam the Rio Grande de Pampanga in face of the enemy's fire and fastened a rope to occupied trenches, thereby enabling the crossing of the river and the driving of the enemy from his fortified position.

Submit Kansapedia content

We invite you to send further details about existing articles or submit articles on other topics in Kansas history.

Submission criteria

Kansas Memory

Our online collections contain more than 500,000 images of photos, documents, and artifacts, which grows daily. Find your story in Kansas through this rich resource!

Related Content

• Lewis Walt
• American War Mothers
• Frederick Funston - Kansapedia
• Harry Walter Colmery