Tarawa on the Web

Silver Star Medal to Edwin Joseph Hearne, Pharmacist's Mate First Class, US Naval Reserve For service as set forth in the following citation:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a corpsman serving with the Second Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on November 21, 1943. Landing on the outer edge of a 400-yard coral reef with an artillery headquarters group in the face of bitter hostilities and resistance, HEARNE immediately made his way forward across the top of a pier, then untenable to our forces, to assist casualties struck down by hostile shellfire rather than proceed to the beach under the comparative protection of the pier. Working tirelessly under constant shellfire directed from Japanese beach positions surrounding the area, he skillfully and efficiently administered first aid to wounded marines, contributing materially to the saving of many lives. By his daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and grave concern for the safety of others at great risk to his own life, HEARNE was an inspiration to those with whom he served and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

For the President,

James Forrestal

Secretary of the Navy

prepared 15 Feb. 1946

Letter of Commendation to Edwin Joseph Hearne
Battery "A", 1st Battalion, 10th Marines, Second Marine Division, FMF, In the Field, 25

February, 1943:

It is requested that a letter of commendation for exemplary action and leadership under fire be issued to Edwin Joseph Hearne.

"On 11 January, 1943, this organization was engaged in support of the perimeter defense of Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands. about 0330, with no previous warning, and while the battery was resting, an enemy aircraft dropped several bombs, one landing in the center of the battery area, killing one man and wounding sixteen others. With no thought of his personal safety, and knowing that more bombs might be dropped, Hearne immediately began attending to the wounded, and by his skill and cool-headed resourcefulness, saved the life of Taylor, #311739, Earl L. Jr. by the prompt application of a tourniquet to his arm and morphine. His skill, courage, cool-headedness and resourcefulness helped save the lives of many more men and to alleviate the pain of the badly wounded.

Hearne also recieved a copy of the Presidential Unit Citation Award awarded to Second Marine Division for outstanding performance in combat during the seizure and occupation of the Japanese-held Atoll of Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, 20 to 24 November 1943.