The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*PHELPS, WESLEY
Rank and Organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve. Born:12 June 1923, Neafus, Ky. Accredited To: Kentucky.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in
action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, during a savage
hostile counterattack on the night of 4 October 1944. Stationed with another marine in an
advanced position when a Japanese handgrenade landed in his foxhole Pfc. Phelps instantly
shouted a warning to his comrade and rolled over on the deadly bomb, absorbing with his
own body the full, shattering Impact of the exploding charge. Courageous and indomitable,
Pfc. Phelps fearlessly gave his life that another might be spared serious injury, and his
great valor and heroic devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflect the highest
credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
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