Elmer Charles Bigelow-Hebron, IL
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 42° 29.142 W 088° 27.786
16T E 379754 N 4704742
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action while on board the USS Fletcher during the engagement against enemy Japanese forces off Corregidor Island, Philippines on February 14, 1945. He was killed in action and is buried in Linn-Hebron Cemetery, Hebron, IL.
Waymark Code: WMWVP2
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 10/18/2017
Views: 0
He was born on July 12, 1920 in Hebron IL and died on February 15, 1945 in the Philippines. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *BIGELOW, ELMER CHARLES
• Rank and organization: Watertender First Class, U.S. Naval Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving on board the U.S.S. Fletcher during action against enemy Japanese forces off Corregidor Island in the Philippines, 14 February 1945. Standing topside when an enemy shell struck the Fletcher, Bigelow, acting instantly as the deadly projectile exploded into fragments which penetrated the No. 1 gun magazine and set fire to several powder cases, picked up a pair of fire extinguishers and rushed below in a resolute attempt to quell the raging flames. Refusing to waste the precious time required to don rescue-breathing apparatus, he plunged through the blinding smoke billowing out of the magazine hatch and dropped into the blazing compartment. Despite the acrid, burning powder smoke which seared his lungs with every agonizing breath, he worked rapidly and with instinctive sureness and succeeded in quickly extinguishing the fires and in cooling the cases and bulkheads, thereby preventing further damage to the stricken ship. Although he succumbed to his injuries on the following day, Bigelow, by his dauntless valor, unfaltering skill and prompt action in the critical emergency, had averted a magazine explosion which undoubtedly would have left his ship wallowing at the mercy of the furiously pounding Japanese guns on Corregidor, and his heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Armed Service: Navy
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