POWER, JOHN VINCENT - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization. First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps. Birth: 20
November 1918, Worcester, Mass. Appointed from: Massachusetts. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as platoon leader, attached to the 4th Marine
Division, during the landing and battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll,
Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Severely wounded in the stomach while
setting a demolition charge on a Japanese pillbox, 1st Lt. Power was steadfast
in his determination to remain in action. Protecting his wound with his
left hand and firing with his right, he courageously advanced as another
hostile position was taken under attack, fiercely charging the opening
made by the explosion and emptying his carbine into the pillbox. While
attempting to reload and continue the attack, 1st Lt. Power was shot again
in the stomach and head and collapsed in the doorway. His exceptional valor,
fortitude and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of withering enemy
fire 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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