"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as Leader of a Machine-gun
Section of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, Fourth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the
assault on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Assailed
by a tremendous volume of small-arms, mortar and artillery fire as he
advanced with one squad of his section in the initial assault wave,
Sergeant Cole boldly led his men up the sloping beach toward Airfield
Number One despite the blanketing curtain of flying shrapnel and,
personally destroying with hand grenades two hostile emplacements which
menaced the progress of his unit, continued to move forward until a
merciless barrage of fire emanating from three Japanese pillboxes halted
the advance. Instantly placing his one remaining machine gun in action,
he delivered a shattering fusillade and succeeded in silencing the
nearest and most threatening emplacement before his weapon jammed and
the enemy, reopening fire with knee mortars and grenades, pinned down
his unit for the second time. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation
and evolving a daring plan of counterattack, Sergeant Cole, armed solely
with a pistol and one grenade, coolly advanced alone to the hostile
pillboxes. Hurling his one grenade at the enemy in sudden, swift attack,
he quickly withdrew, returned to his own lines for additional grenades
and again advanced, attacked, and withdrew. With enemy guns still
active, he ran the gauntlet of slashing fire a third time to complete
the total destruction of the Japanese strong point and the annihilation
of the defending garrison in this final assault. Although instantly
killed by an enemy grenade as he returned to his squad, Sergeant Cole
had eliminated a formidable Japanese position, thereby enabling his
company to storm the remaining fortifications, continue the advance and
seize the objective. By his dauntless initiative, unfaltering courage
and indomitable determination during a critical period of action,
Sergeant Cole served as an inspiration to his comrades, and his
stouthearted leadership in the face of almost certain death sustained
and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country."
From Sgt. Cole's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on April 17, 1947.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
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