August 31 is the anniversary of the death of Guy L. Gabaldon, a Chicano who captured ten times as many Japanese prisoners in World War II than World War I Medal of Honor winner Sgt. Alvin C. York, but Gabaldon did NOT get the Medal of Honor, even with this citation for valor: GABALDON, GUY L. Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve) Headquarters & Service Company, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division Date of Action: June 15 - August 1, 1944 Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Guy L. Gabaldon, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, South Pacific Area, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Acting as a Japanese Interpreter for the Second Marines, Private First Class Gabaldon displayed extreme courage and initiative in single-handedly capturing enemy civilian and military personnel during the Saipan and Tinian operations. Working alone in front of the lines, he daringly entered enemy caves, pillboxes, buildings, and jungle brush, frequently in the face of hostile fire, and succeeded in not only obtaining vital military information, but in capturing well over one thousand enemy civilians and troops. Through his valiant and distinguished exploits, Private First Class Gabaldon made an important contribution to the successful prosecution of the campaign and, through his efforts, a definite humane treatment of civilian prisoners was assured. His courageous and inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.[10] Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 23, 1960 (Upgraded from Silver Star)
Posted on: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 08:38:20 +0000
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