Henry Talmage Elrod-Arlington, VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 52.626 W 077° 04.080
18S E 320610 N 4305170
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Wake Island from December 8-23, 1941. He was killed in action. He attained the rank of Major. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 12, site 3246.
Waymark Code: WMWYHA
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 10/30/2017
Views: 0
He was born on September 27, 1905 in Rebecca, GA and died on December 23, 1941 on Wake Island. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *ELROD, HENRY TALMAGE
• Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps.
• Entered service at: Ashburn, Ga.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to Marine Fighting Squadron 211, during action against enemy Japanese land, surface and aerial units at Wake Island, 8 to 23 December 1941. Engaging vastly superior forces of enemy bombers and warships on 9 and 12 December, Capt. Elrod shot down 2 of a flight of 22 hostile planes and, executing repeated bombing and strafing runs at extremely low altitude and close range, succeeded in inflicting deadly damage upon a large Japanese vessel, thereby sinking the first major warship to be destroyed by small caliber bombs delivered from a fighter-type aircraft. When his plane was disabled by hostile fire and no other ships were operative, Capt. Elrod assumed command of 1 flank of the line set up in defiance of the enemy landing and, conducting a brilliant defense, enabled his men to hold their positions and repulse intense hostile fusillades to provide covering fire for unarmed ammunition carriers. Capturing an automatic weapon during 1 enemy rush in force, he gave his own firearm to 1 of his men and fought on vigorously against the Japanese. Responsible in a large measure for the strength of his sector's gallant resistance, on 23 December, Capt. Elrod led his men with bold aggressiveness until he fell, mortally wounded. His superb skill as a pilot, daring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty distinguished him among the defenders of Wake Island, and his valiant conduct reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country
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.