Medal of Honor recipients (October 1942)

[NormanStewart]

Maj Robert Edward Galer, 28, USMC (1913–2005)

VMF-224, MAG-23, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
Solomon Islands Area
October 1942
Presented March 24, 1943

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Maj Robert Edward Galer (MCSN: 0-5253), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as leader of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-224), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during the month of October 1942.

Leading his squadron repeatedly in daring and aggressive raids against Japanese aerial forces, vastly superior in numbers, Maj Galer availed himself of every favorable attack opportunity, individually shooting down 11 enemy bomber and fighter aircraft over a period of 29 days. Though suffering the extreme physical strain attendant upon protracted fighter operations at an altitude above 25,000 feet, the squadron under his zealous and inspiring leadership shot down a total of 27 Japanese planes. His superb airmanship, his outstanding skill, and personal valor reflect great credit upon Maj Galer’s gallant fighting spirit and upon the U.S. Naval Service.

[NormanStewart]

Maj John Lucian Smith, 27, USMC (1914–1972)

VMF-224, MAG-23, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
Solomon Islands Area
August – October 1942
Presented February 24, 1943

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Maj John Lucian Smith (MCSN: 0-5425), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during August and September 1942.

Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and daring attacks, Maj Smith led his squadron against a determined force, greatly superior in numbers, personally shooting down 16 Japanese planes between August 21 and September 15, 1942. In spite of the limited combat experience of many of the pilots of this squadron, they achieved the notable record of a total of 83 enemy aircraft destroyed in this period, mainly attributable to the thorough training under Maj Smith and to his intrepid and inspiring leadership. His bold tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, and the valiant and zealous fortitude of the men of his command not only rendered the enemy’s attacks ineffective and costly to Japan, but contributed to the security of our advance base. His loyal and courageous devotion to duty sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

[NormanStewart]

Sgt John Basilone, 26, USMC (1916–1945)

Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
October 24-25, 1942
Presented May 21, 1943

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sgt John “Manila John” Basilone (MCSN: 287506), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of October 24-25, 1942.

While the enemy was hammering at the Marines’ defensive positions, Sgt Basilone, in charge of two sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt Basilone’s sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only two men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

[NormanStewart]

PltSgt Mitchell Paige, 24, USMC (1918–2003)

Company H, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
October 26, 1942
Presented May 21, 1943

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to PltSgt Mitchell Paige, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on October 26, 1942.

When the enemy broke through the line directly in front of his position, PltSgt Paige, commanding a machine-gun section with fearless determination, continued to direct the fire of his gunners until all his men were either killed or wounded. Alone, against the deadly hail of Japanese shells, he fought with his gun and when it was destroyed, took over another, moving from gun to gun, never ceasing his withering fire against the advancing hordes until reinforcements finally arrived. Then, forming a new line, he dauntlessly and aggressively led a bayonet charge, driving the enemy back and preventing a breakthrough in our lines. His great personal valor and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.