*FOSTER, WILLIAM ADELBERT
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 17 February 1915, Cleveland, Ohio. Accredited
to: Ohio.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving as a rifleman with the 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain 2
May 1945. Dug in with another marine on the point of the perimeter defense after waging a
furious assault against a strongly fortified Japanese position, Pfc. Foster and his
comrade engaged in a fierce hand grenade duel with infiltrating enemy soldiers. Suddenly
an enemy grenade landed beyond reach in the foxhole. Instantly diving on the deadly
missile, Pfc. Foster absorbed the exploding charge in his own body, thereby protecting the
other marine from serious injury. Although mortally wounded as a result of his heroic
action, he quickly rallied, handed his own remaining 2 grenades to his comrade and said,
"Make them count." Stouthearted and indomitable, he had unhesitatingly
relinquished his own chance of survival that his fellow marine might carry on the
relentless fight against a fanatic enemy, and his dauntless determination, cool decision
and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest
credit upon Pfc. Foster and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the
service of his country.
