William James Bordelon

Demolishing pillboxes and rescuing wounded at Tarawa

William James Bordelon earned the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Tarawa landing on November 20, 1943. A Marine staff sergeant with an assault engineer platoon of the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, he landed under heavy Japanese fire.

Bordelon prepared demolition charges and destroyed two pillboxes. Seriously wounded while attacking a third position, he continued fighting with a rifle, covered men crossing the seawall and rescued two wounded Marines from the water. He then assembled more charges and attacked another machine-gun position, where enemy fire killed him.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, on December 25, 1920, Bordelon received the Medal of Honor posthumously. His remains were reinterred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in 1995. His award commemorates his contribution to securing the Tarawa beachhead.

Medal of Honor citation

For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as a member of an assault engineer platoon of the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, tactically attached to the 2d Marine Division, in action against the Japanese-held atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands, 20 November 1943. Landing in the assault waves under withering enemy fire which killed all but four of the men in his tractor, SSgt. Bordelon Hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put two pillboxes out of action. Hit by enemy machine-gun fire just as a charge exploded in his hand while assaulting a third position, he courageously remained in action and, although out of demolition, provided himself with a rifle and furnished fire coverage for a group of men scaling the seawall. Disregarding his own serious condition, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of one of his demolition men, wounded and calling for help in the water, rescuing this man and another who had been hit by enemy fire while attempting to make the rescue. Still refusing first aid for himself, he again made up demolition charges and singlehandedly assaulted a fourth Japanese machine-gun position, but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the enemy. SSgt. Bordelon's great personal valor during a critical phase of securing the limited beachhead was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation of the island, and his heroic determination throughout three days of violent battle reflects the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.