"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as Platoon Sergeant of Company
A, Fourth Tank Battalion, Fourth Marine Division, during the battle for
enemy Japanese-held Saipan, Mariana Islands, on June 16, 1944. Cut off
from the other units of his platoon when his tank was put out of action
by a battery of enemy 77-mm. guns, Gunnery Sergeant McCard carried on
resolutely, bringing all the tank's weapons to bear on the enemy, until
the severity of hostile fire caused him to order his crew out the escape
hatch while he courageously exposed himself to enemy guns by hurling hand grenades,
in order to cover the evacuation of his men. Seriously wounded during
this action and with his supply of grenades exhausted, Gunnery Sergeant
McCard dismantled one of the Tank's machine guns and faced the Japanese
for the second time to deliver vigorous fire into positions, destroying
sixteen of the enemy but sacrificing himself to ensure the safety of his
crew. His valiant fighting spirit and supreme loyalty in the face of
almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant
McCard and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
From GSgt. McCard's Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
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