Awarded the Silver Star for action on Tarawa
"For gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces in Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 20-24, 1943. He, for three days and nights without sleep and under the most trying battle conditions, destroyed, with his unit, many enemy emplacements in the central sector of Betio Island. With the greatest of personal valor and military skill, he attacked an emplacement by crawling under heavy enemy fire to a gun port of the position and destroyed it by the use of grenades and demolitions. He then entered the position and killed the remaining enemy personnel. Later, while his unit was attacking another position, he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to more advantageously support with fire the advance of one of his comrades to the entrance of the emplacement. By his absolute coolness, tireless energy, fearless devotion to duty, and extraordinary example, he was an inspiration to our troops and contributed greatly to the success of his regiment. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
INGRAM ONCE WITHIN TEN FEET OF JAPS
One of the first 15 men to land successfully on Tarawa and a veteran of fighting at Guadalcanal, Saipan and Tinian, Sgt. Paul E. Ingram, 21, of Porterville has returned to the United States. He now is stationed at the Marine Corps base, San Diego, awaiting reassignment and furlough. Sgt. Ingram, whose parents, Mr. And Mrs. J. C. Ingram, live at Route 1, Box 352, was in charge of reconnaissance patrols with the Second Marine Division on Saipan. "At times our patrols, all made behind the enemy lines, brought us within six to 10 feet of Jap soldiers, but if we'd have fired at them, it would have given our position away and the Japs would know we had discovered their location," according to the Leatherneck non-commissioned officer. St. Ingram spent 27 months overseas.
Send an Email:
copyright 2004 T.O.T.W.
Created 5 September 2004
Return to Index