Henry T. Elrod

Defending Wake Island in the air and on the ground

Henry Talmage Elrod received the Medal of Honor for defending Wake Island during World War II. Born in Rebecca, Georgia, on September 27, 1905, he served as a captain with Marine Fighting Squadron 211.

During December 8–23, 1941, Elrod fought Japanese forces in the air and on the ground. His citation credits him with shooting down two enemy bombers and sinking a major warship through low-altitude attacks. After his aircraft was disabled and no others remained operational, he commanded a flank of the island’s defensive line. He helped his men hold their positions and covered unarmed ammunition carriers.

Elrod was mortally wounded on December 23 while leading the defense. His posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his widow, Captain Elizabeth J. Elrod of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His award honors both his flying skill and his leadership in Wake Island’s final defense.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to Marine Fighting Squadron 211, during action against enemy Japanese land, surface and aerial units at Wake Island, 8-23 December 1941. Engaging vastly superior forces of enemy bombers and warships on 9 and 12 December, Capt. Elrod shot down two of a flight of 22 hostile planes and, executing repeated bombing and strafing runs at extremely low altitude and close range, succeeded in inflicting deadly damage upon a large Japanese vessel, thereby sinking the first major warship to be destroyed by small-caliber bombs delivered from a fighter-type aircraft. When his plane was disabled by hostile fire and no other ships were operative, Capt. Elrod assumed command of one flank of the line set up in defiance of the enemy landing and, conducting a brilliant defense, enabled his men to hold their positions and repulse intense hostile fusillades to provide covering fire for unarmed ammunition carriers. Capturing an automatic weapon during one enemy rush in force, he gave his own firearm to one of his men and fought on vigorously against the Japanese. Responsible in a large measure for the strength of his sector's gallant resistance, on 23 December, Capt. Elrod led his men with bold aggressiveness until he fell, mortally wounded. His superb skill as a pilot, daring leadership, and unswerving devotion to duty distinguished him among the defenders of Wake Island, and his valiant conduct reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.