*BORDELON, WILLIAM JAMES
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 25 December 1920, San Antonio, Tex. Accredited to:
Texas.
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 on 20 November 1943. Landing in the assault waves under withering enemy fire which
killed all but 4 of the men in his tractor, S/Sgt. Bordelon hurriedly made demolition
charges and personally put 2 pillboxes out of action. Hit by enemy machinegun 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 single-handedly assaulted a fourth Japanese machinegun
position but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the enemy.
S/Sgt. 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 3 days of violent battle reflects the highest credit upon
the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
