"He was an acting squad leader, directing his men in consolidating a newly won position on Hill B when the enemy concentrated small arms
fire and grenades upon him and 4 others, driving them to cover in an
abandoned Japanese trench. A grenade thrown from above landed in the
center of the group. Instantly pushing his comrades aside and jamming
the grenade into the earth with his rifle butt, he threw himself over
it, making a shield of his body to protect the other men. The grenade
exploded under him, and he died a few minutes later. By his
extraordinary heroism in deliberately giving his life to save those of
his comrades, Pfc. Krotiak set an inspiring example of utter devotion
and self-sacrifice which reflects the highest traditions of the military
service."
From PFC Krotiak's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on February 13, 1946.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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