"He gallantly maintained a 3-day stand in the face of terrible odds when
American troops fought for possession of the rugged slopes of
legusuku-Yama on Ie Shima, Ryukyu Islands. After placing his heavy
machine gun in an advantageous yet vulnerable position on a ridge to
support riflemen, he became the target of fierce mortar
and small arms fire from counterattacking Japanese. He repulsed this
assault by sweeping the enemy with accurate bursts while explosions and
ricocheting bullets threw blinding dust and dirt about him. He broke up a
second counterattack by hurling grenades into the midst of the enemy
forces, and then refused to withdraw, volunteering to maintain his post
and cover the movement of American riflemen as they reorganized to meet
any further hostile action. The major effort of the enemy did not
develop until the morning of 21 April. It found Pfc. May still
supporting the rifle company in the face of devastating rifle,
machine gun, and mortar fire. While many of the friendly troops about him
became casualties, he continued to fire his machine gun until he was
severely wounded and his gun rendered useless by the burst of a mortar
shell. Refusing to withdraw from the violent action, he blasted
fanatical Japanese troops with hand grenades until wounded again, this
time mortally. By his intrepidity and the extreme tenacity with which he
held firm until death against overwhelming forces, Pfc. May killed at
least 16 Japanese, was largely responsible for maintaining the American
lines, and inspired his comrades to efforts which later resulted in
complete victory and seizure of the mountain stronghold."
From PFC May's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on January 25, 1946.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
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