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Deets, Virgil Duane

Date of birth:
November 16th, 1919
Date of death:
March 1st, 1945 (Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands, Japan)
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class
Unit:
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps (Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps)
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a corpsman attached to a marine rifle Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano islands, March 1, 1945. When his company was held up by intense eneny machine-gun and rifle fire, Deets courageously started to the assistance of a wounded marine lying in the middle of an open field and despite warnings that the spot was under heavy fire unhesitatingly proceeded to the side of the casualty where he himself was mortally wounded while attempting to administed first aid. His valiant spirit of self sacrifice and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Deets and the United States naval service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awarded posthumously.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

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