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Aquilla Dyess
FULL
MEDAL OF HONOR
CITATION
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Place: At Namur Island,
Kwajalein Atoll,
Marshall Islands
Date: February 1-2, 1944.
Rank and organization:
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. |
The
President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March
3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
Lieutenant Colonel
Aquilla James Dyess
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
*DYESS, AQUILLA JAMES
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve. Born: 11 January 1909, Augusta, Ga. Appointed from: Georgia. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines
(Rein), 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the
assault on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 and 2 February
1944. Undaunted by severe fire from automatic Japanese weapons, Lt. Col. 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, Lt. Col. Dyess was killed by a burst of enemy machinegun 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 U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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