Serial # 017133
Chicago, Illinois
Killed In Action 20 November 1943
Awarded the Navy Cross for actions on Tarawa:
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 917 (March 24, 1944)
CITATION:
"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Wilbur E. Hofmann, Jr., United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Platoon Leader of an Assault Rifle Company in the Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Suffering severe pain from a wound received in the hip while attempting to gain the North Beach of Betio Island in his amphibian tractor, First Lieutenant Hofmann voluntarily manned a .50-caliber machine gun when his gunner was wounded and forced to abandon his post. Although constantly subjected top a heavy barrage of enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, he remained steadfast at his post while the tractor reached cover and successfully discharged assault troops before he succumbed as a result of a second wound received in the action. By his daring aggressiveness, First Lieutenant Hofmann enabled our troops to succeed in reaching their objective with minimum loss. His splendid initiative, relentless fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
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Created 11 November 2012 - Updated 24 Janaury 2020
