"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on
the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 25 June 1944. With his
machine gun emplacement bearing the full brunt of a fanatic assault
initiated by the Japanese under cover of predawn darkness, Pfc. Epperson
manned his weapon with determined aggressiveness, fighting furiously in
the defense of his battalion's position and maintaining a steady stream
of devastating fire against rapidly infiltrating hostile troops to aid
materially in annihilating several of the enemy and in breaking the
abortive attack. Suddenly a Japanese soldier, assumed to be dead, sprang
up and hurled a powerful hand grenade into the emplacement. Determined
to save his comrades, Pfc. Epperson unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice
himself and, diving upon the deadly missile, absorbed the shattering
violence of the exploding charge in his own body. Stouthearted and
indomitable in the face of certain death, Pfc. Epperson fearlessly
yielded his own life that his able comrades might carry on the
relentless battle against a ruthless enemy. His superb valor and
unfaltering devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon
himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country."
From Pfc. Epperson's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on July 4, 1945.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
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