John V. Power

Wounded he charged and assaulted the enemy pillbox at Namur.

John Vincent Power grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1941. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on 7 July 1942 and was commissioned a second lieutenant on 31 October. After officer training at Quantico, he joined the unit that became the 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines. He trained in California before sailing for the Marshall Islands in January 1944.

Power was a Marine first lieutenant with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division. During the battle for Namur Island at Kwajalein Atoll on February 1, 1944, he suffered a severe abdominal wound while placing an explosive charge against a Japanese pillbox.

Power continued forward, protecting his wound with one hand while firing with the other. He charged another pillbox and was killed while attempting to reload. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on November 20, 1918, he was buried at St. John’s Cemetery there. His family received his posthumous Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in August 1944.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as platoon leader, attached to the 4th Marine Division, during the landing and battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Severely wounded in the stomach while setting a demolition charge on a Japanese pillbox, 1st Lt. Power was steadfast in his determination to remain in action. Protecting his wound with his left hand and firing with his right, he courageously advanced as another hostile position was taken under attack, fiercely charging the opening made by the explosion and emptying his carbine into the pillbox. While attempting to reload and continue the attack, 1st Lt. Power was shot again in the stomach and head and collapsed in the doorway. His exceptional valor, fortitude and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of withering enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.