Luther Skaggs, Jr.-Arlington VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 52.584 W 077° 04.440
18S E 320088 N 4305104
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Asan-Aelup beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, July 21-22, 1944. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Section 46, Site 1066-B.
Waymark Code: WMX8CH
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/12/2017
Views: 2
He was born on March 3, 1923 in Henderson, KY and died on April 6, 1976 in Sarasota, FL. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: SKAGGS, LUTHER, JR.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division
• Place and date: Asan-Adelup beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, 21-22 July 1944
• Entered service at: Kentucky
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as squad leader with a mortar section of a rifle company in the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, 21 -22 July 1944. When the section leader became a casualty under a heavy mortar barrage shortly after landing, Pfc. Skaggs promptly assumed command and led the section through intense fire for a distance of 200 yards to a position from which to deliver effective coverage of the assault on a strategic cliff. Valiantly defending this vital position against strong enemy counterattacks during the night, Pfc. Skaggs was critically wounded when a Japanese grenade lodged in his foxhole and exploded, shattering the lower part of one leg. Quick to act, he applied an improvised tourniquet and, while propped up in his foxhole, gallantly returned the enemy's fire with his rifle and handgrenades for a period of 8 hours, later crawling unassisted to the rear to continue the fight until the Japanese had been annihilated. Uncomplaining and calm throughout this critical period, Pfc. Skaggs served as a heroic example of courage and fortitude to other wounded men and, by his courageous leadership and inspiring devotion to duty, upheld the high traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Armed Service: Marines
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