"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifleman with Company I,
Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands,
3 March 1945. Consistently aggressive, Private First Class Caddy boldly
defied shattering Japanese machine-gun and small-arms fire to move
forward with his platoon leader and another Marine during a determined
advance of his company through an isolated sector and gaining the
comparative safety of a shell hole, took temporary cover with his
comrades. Immediately pinned down by deadly sniper fire from a
well-concealed position, he made several unsuccessful attempts to again
move forward and then, joined by his platoon leader, engaged the enemy
in a fierce exchange of hand grenades until a Japanese grenade fell in
the shell hole. Fearlessly disregarding all personal danger, Private
First Class Caddy instantly threw himself upon the deadly missile,
absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others
from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he unhesitatingly
yielded his own life that his fellow Marines might carry on the
relentless battle against a fanatic enemy. His dauntless courage and
valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflects
the highest credit upon Private First Class Caddy and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
From PFC Caddy's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on September 8, 1946.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
The war against fascism was won by the heroism of such common soldiers!
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