Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 211 (VMF-211), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as a Navy Pilot attached to Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-211), during the defense of Wake Island against vastly superior enemy Japanese forces on 23 December 1941. Arming himself with a sub-machine gun and grenades in spite of wounds previously sustained, Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class Hesson joined the fight against enemy landing forces after all American aircraft had been destroyed. Although again wounded by rifle fire and grenade fragments, he single- handedly drove back two concerted rushed by hostile troops, killing several of the invaders and, by his valiant action, prevented the enemy from over-running the flank of his own lines. Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class Hesson's indomitable fighting spirit, unfaltering courage and persevering determination in the face of insuperable odds prolonged the gallant defense of Wake Island during the initial phase of the war, and his valiant devotion to duty throughout sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class

Unit:

Pilot, Marine Fighting Squadron 211 (VMF-211), U.S. Navy

Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class James Frank Hesson was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Wake Island on 23 December 1941, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control at the end of the war.