"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving on board the U.S.S. Fletcher
during action against enemy Japanese forces off Corregidor Island in
the Philippines, February 14, 1945. Standing topside when an enemy shell
struck the Fletcher, Bigelow, acting instantly as the deadly
projectile exploded into fragments which penetrated the No. 1 gun
magazine and set fire to several powder cases, picked up a pair of fire
extinguishers and rushed below in a resolute attempt to quell the raging
flames. Refusing to waste the precious time required to don
rescue-breathing apparatus, he plunged through the blinding smoke
billowing out of the magazine hatch and dropped into the blazing
compartment. Despite the acrid, burning powder smoke which seared his
lungs with every agonizing breath, he worked rapidly and with
instinctive sureness and succeeded in quickly extinguishing the fires
and in cooling the cases and bulkheads, thereby preventing further
damage to the stricken ship. Although he succumbed to his injuries on
the following day, Bigelow, by his dauntless valor, unfaltering skill
and prompt action in the critical emergency, had averted a magazine
explosion which undoubtedly would have left his ship wallowing at the
mercy of the furiously pounding Japanese guns on Corregidor, and his
heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death
enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."
From MM Elmer C. Bigelow's Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1945.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
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