"For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as a
member of an Assault Engineer Platoon of the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, tactically attached to the Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against the Japanese-held Atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands
on November 20, 1943. Landing in the assault waves under withering
enemy fire which killed all but four of the men in his tractor, Staff
Sergeant Bordelon hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put
two pill boxes out of action. Hit by enemy machine gun fire just as a
charge exploded in his hand while assaulting a third position, he
courageously remained in action and, although out of demolition,
provided himself with a rifle and furnished fire coverage for a group of
men scaling the seawall.
Disregarding his own serious condition, he unhesitatingly went to the
aid of one of his demolition men, wounded and calling for help in the
water, rescuing this man and another who had been hit by enemy fire
while attempting to make the rescue. Still refusing first aid for
himself, he again made up demolition charges and single-handedly
assaulted a fourth Japanese machine gun
position but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire
from the enemy. Staff Sergeant Bordelon's great personal valor during a
critical phase of securing the limited beachhead was a contributing
factor in the ultimate occupation of the island and his heroic
determination reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
From SSgt. William J. Bordelon's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on 17 June, 1944.
Thank you for your service and my you be at peace,
Brian
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