*DYESS, AQUILLA JAMES
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel,
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 11 January 1909, Augusta, Ga. Appointed from:
Georgia.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines (Rein), 4th Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Namur Island,
Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 and 2 February 1944. Undaunted by severe fire from
automatic Japanese weapons, Lt. Col. Dyess launched a powerful final attack on the second
day of the assault, unhesitatingly posting himself between the opposing lines to point out
objectives and avenues of approach and personally leading the advancing troops. Alert, and
determined to quicken the pace of the offensive against increased enemy fire, he was
constantly at the head of advance units, inspiring his men to push forward until the
Japanese had been driven back to a small center of resistance and victory assured. While
standing on the parapet of an antitank trench directing a group of infantry in a flanking
attack against the last enemy position, Lt. Col. Dyess was killed by a burst of enemy
machinegun fire. His daring and forceful leadership and his valiant fighting spirit in the
face of terrific opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
