"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the First
Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, Reinforced, Fourth Marine Division,
in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, February 1 and 2, 1944.
Undaunted by severe fire from automatic Japanese weapons, Lieutenant
Colonel Dyess launched a powerful final attack on the second day of the
assault, unhesitatingly posting himself between the opposing lines to
point out objectives and avenues of approach and personally leading the
advancing troops. Alert, and determined to quicken the pace of the
offensive against increased enemy fire, he was constantly at the head of
advance units, inspiring his men to push forward until the Japanese had
been driven back to a small center of resistance and victory assured.
While standing on the parapet of an antitank trench directing a group of
infantry in a flanking attack against the last enemy position,
Lieutenant Colonel Dyess was killed by a burst of enemy machine gun
fire. His daring and forceful leadership and his valiant fighting spirit
in the face of terrific opposition were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
From LtCol Dyess' Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1944.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
The captured Japaneses airfield on Roi, renamed Dyess Field.
Stretch of Georgia State Route 383 named Jimmie Dyess Parkway in his memory.
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