Harold C. Agerholm
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| Harold Christ Agerholm | |
|---|---|
| January 29, 1925 - July 7, 1944 | |
  Harold C. Agerholm, Medal of Honor recipient |
|
| Place of birth | Racine, Wisconsin |
| Place of death | KIA - Saipan, Marianas Islands |
| Allegiance | USMC |
| Years of service | 1942-1945 |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | 4th Battalion, 10th Marines |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Tarawa Battle of Saipan |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Private First Class Harold Christ Agerholm, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, (January 29, 1925 - July 7, 1944), born in Racine, Wisconsin, served as a Marine during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military award of the United States, for his actions while engaged with Japanese forces on Saipan in the Marianas Islands.
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[edit] Posthumous Honors
The ship USS Agerholm (DD-826) was named after him, as was a middle school and an elementary school in his home town of Racine, Wisconsin.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
His Medal of Honor citation reads as follows:
- For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, July 7, 1944. When the enemy launched a fierce, determined counterattack against our positions and overran a neighboring artillery battalion, PFC Agerholm immediately volunteered to assist in the efforts to check the hostile attack and evacuate our wounded. Locating and appropriating an abandoned ambulance jeep, he repeatedly made extremely perilous trips under heavy rifle and mortar fire and single-handedly loaded and evacuated approximately forty-five casualties, working tirelessly and with utter disregard for his own safety during a grueling period of more than three hours. Despite intense, persistent enemy fire, he ran out to aid two men whom he believed to be wounded Marines but was himself mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while carrying out his hazardous mission. PFC Agerholm's brilliant initiative, great personal valor and self-sacrificing efforts in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Private First Class Harold C. Agerholm, USMCR, Who's Who in Marine Corps History, History Division, United States Marine Corps.
- Medal of Honor citation
