Aquilla James Dyess-Augusta, GA
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Don.Morfe
N 33° 29.244 W 082° 01.686
17S E 404488 N 3705795
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands on February 1-2, 1944. He was KIA. His remains are in Westover Memorial Park, Augusta, GA in the Chapel Mausoleum, Crypt D, Row 5.
Waymark Code: WM115PE
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 08/20/2019
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member NW_history_buff
Views: 5

He was born on January 11, 1909 in Augusta GA and he was Killed In Action on February 2, 1944. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: AQUILLA JAMES DYESS Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps
Company:
Division:
Born: 11 January 1909, Augusta, Ga.
Departed: Yes
Entered Service At:
G.O. Number:
Date of Issue:
Accredited To: Georgia
Place / Date:
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 machine gun 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.

The first two photos were taken by Bill Waters and posted on findagrave.com. The third photo was taken by me.

*SPECIAL EXCEPTION WAYMARK* This category made the decision to approve this waymark based on the research and partnerships between the submitter, Don.Morfe, and individuals who gave permission for their photos of Medal of Honor resting places to be used in this community. Although the vision and philosophy of the Waymarking body is to promote in-person visits and photo documentation, special circumstances can be made on a case-by-case basis such as this submission. We appreciate the fact that Don.Morfe spent over 20 years visiting more than 2,900 Medal of Honor resting places and has documented them in this category with personal photos the past 18 months. He recently took it upon himself to document many more Medal of Honor resting places around the world that he could not visit in person. He reached out to individuals on FindaGrave.com and elsewhere and received permission to use their photos, created write-ups and submitted them here for approval. A compromise was made to allow his submissions here in order to gain a sense of appreciation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Thank you, Don, for your tireless efforts and contributions to this category and to the Waymarking community!

Armed Service: Marines

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.

Search for...
Geocaching.com Google Map
Google Maps
MapQuest
Bing Maps
Nearest Waymarks
Nearest Medal Of Honor Resting Places
Nearest Geocaches
Create a scavenger hunt using this waymark as the center point
Recent Visits/Logs:
Date Logged Log User Rating  
Don.Morfe visited Aquilla James Dyess-Augusta, GA 11/10/2021 Don.Morfe visited it