Martin O. May-Honolulu, HI
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 21° 18.768 W 157° 50.736
4Q E 619729 N 2357205
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action at legusuku-Yama, le Shima, Ryukyu Islands on April 19-21, 1945. He was killed in action. He is buried in National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI in Section N, Site 1242.
Waymark Code: WMX38D
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 11/20/2017
Views: 1
He was born on April 18, 1922 in Phillipsburg, NJ and died on April 21, 1945 in Ryukyu Islands. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *MAY, MARTIN O.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 307th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division
• Place and date: legusuku-Yama, Ie Shima, Ryukyu Islands, 1921 April 1945
• Entered service at: Phillipsburg, N.J.
• G.O. No: 9, 25 January 1946
Citation: 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 machinegun 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, machinegun, and mortar fire. While many of the friendly troops about him became casualties, he continued to fire his machinegun 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.
Armed Service: Army
|
Visit Instructions:
To properly log your find, post a photograph of the medal recipient's grave marker. Do not place anything on the grave when taking the photo. If you have more information about the recipient please include it in your log.