10-026 Garand Picture of the Day - 23rd Marines Iwo Jima

[Mark in Rochester]

"K" Company, 23rd Marines move into front line positions. Iwo Jima - 1945



The 23rd Marine Regiment was activated on 20 July 1942 at New River, North Carolina; was assigned to the 4th Marine Division in February 1943 and relocated during July 1943 to Camp Pendleton, California.

During World War II, the 23rd Marines participated in the following campaigns: Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and the Battle of Iwo Jima. During the fierce fighting which occurred in the Pacific Theater, four Marines of the 23rd Marine Regiment were awarded the Medal of Honor for valor:

Richard B. Anderson, 2/23, Kwajalein
Joseph W. Ozbourn, 1/23, Tinian
Darrell S. Cole, 1/23, Iwo Jima
Douglas T. Jacobson, 3/23, Iwo Jima
For its actions against enemy forces, 23d Marines received the following awards: Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with one Bronze Star,the Navy Unit Commendation, the American Campaign Streamer with four Bronze Stars, and the World War II Victory Streamer.

In October 1945, the Regiment was again relocated to Camp Pendleton and was subsequently deactivated on 15 November 1945.




PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RICHARD B. ANDERSON

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Fourth Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, February 1, 1944. Entering a shell crater occupied by three other Marines, Private First Class Anderson was preparing to throw a grenade at an enemy position when it slipped from his hands and rolled toward the men at the bottom of the hole. With insufficient time to retrieve the armed weapon and throw it, Private First Class Anderson fearlessly chose to sacrifice himself and save his companions by hurling his body upon the grenade and taking the full impact of the explosion. His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.


Private Joseph William Ozbourn

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