Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Acting Squad Leader, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

March 27th, 1947

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Squad Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Eighth Marines (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 24 November 1942. Boldly taking the initiative when several attempts by his squad and platoon to dislodge an enemy machine gun located on a strategic knoll had been repulsed, Private First Class Somers worked his way up the knoll despite the merciless fury of Japanese gunfire and then, attacking single-handed, hurled deadly hand grenades into the deeply entrenched gun position. Undaunted by the stubborn defense of the hostile emplacement after he had waged two furious assaults, he returned under fire to the base of the knoll and replenished his supply of grenades for a renewed attack. Although killed by enemy fire during this third effort to silence the Japanese weapon and thereby enable his squad to secure its objective, Private First Class Somers had rendered valiant service in the face of unrelenting opposition, and his cool courage, unfaltering determination and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Serial 778, Commander in Chief, Pacific (March 27, 1947).
Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Acting Squad Leader, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps