*BIGELOW, ELMER CHARLES
Rank and organization: Watertender First
Class, U.S. Naval Reserve. Born: 12 July 1920, Hebron, 111. Accredited to:
Illinois.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving on board the U.S.S. Fletcher during action against enemy
Japanese forces off Corregidor Island in the Philippines, 14 February 1945. Standing
topside when an enemy shell struck the Fletcher, Bigelow, acting instantly as the deadly
projectile exploded into fragments which penetrated the No. 1 gun magazine and set fire to
several powder cases, picked up a pair of fire extinguishers and rushed below in a
resolute attempt to quell the raging flames. Refusing to waste the precious time required
to don rescue-breathing apparatus, he plunged through the blinding smoke billowing out of
the magazine hatch and dropped into the blazing compartment. Despite the acrid, burning
powder smoke which seared his lungs with every agonizing breath, he worked rapidly and
with instinctive sureness and succeeded in quickly extinguishing the fires and in cooling
the cases and bulkheads, thereby preventing further damage to the stricken ship. Although
he succumbed to his injuries on the following day, Bigelow, by his dauntless valor,
unfaltering skill and prompt action in the critical emergency, had averted a magazine
explosion which undoubtedly would have left his ship wallowing at the mercy of the
furiously pounding Japanese guns on Corregidor, and his heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in
the face of almost certain death enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
