"For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as
Commanding Officer of a Scout Sniper Platoon attached to the Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against Japanese-held Tarawa
in the Gilbert Islands, November 20 and 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
breach 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 pill boxes
and installations with grenades and demolition. At dawn on the following
day, First Lieutenant Hawkins returned to the dangerous mission of
clearing the limited beachhead of Japanese resistance, personally
initiating an assault on a hostile fortified by five enemy machine guns
and, crawling forward in the face of withering fire, boldly fired
point-blank 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 three more pill boxes before he was
caught in a burst of Japanese shell fire and mortally wounded. His
relentless fighting spirit in the face of formidable opposition and his
exceptionally daring tactics were an inspiration to his comrades during
the most crucial phase of the battle and reflect the highest credit upon
the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
From 1Lt. Hawkins' Medal of Honor citation, awarded in September 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian
Hawkins Field on Betio Island
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