RAIDERS Hunniford, William John, Jr

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Hunniford
  • FORENAME
William John, Jr
  • UNIT
former 3 Raider Bn (Company I)
  • RANK
Platoon Sergeant
  • NUMBER
323522
  • DATE OF DEATH
27th July 1944
  • AGE
19
  • GRAVESITE
St Bernard Cemetery, Rockville, Tolland County, Connecticut, USA
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
resided Rockville, Connecticut
22.10.1941 entered service
award Navy Cross
Next of kin - Father, Mr. William J. Hunniford, Sr., 84 Brooklyn St., Rockville, Connecticut
KIA Guam,Marianas Is.
 

DATE OF DEATH:

27-Jul-1944

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/hunniford-william-j-jr.29743/

CITATION:

Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant William J. Hunniford, Jr. (MCSN: 323522), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, 21 to 27 July 1944. When the point of his platoon was pinned down by intense enemy machine-gun fire during an advance across a rice field, Platoon Sergeant Hunniford unhesitatingly made three trips into the open area and carried out wounded men. On 26 July, as his company was committed to action, he personally cleaned out three hostile pillboxes by skillfully and effectively using smoke grenades and entering the positions to kill the remaining defenders. Subsequently, under cover of automatic rifle fire, he again attacked a Japanese pillbox and, accurately firing rifle grenades from a carbine, succeeded in destroying the emplacement, but was mortally wounded by fierce enemy crossfire while attempting to neutralize another position. Platoon Sergeant Hunniford's inspiring leadership, dauntless fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout these days of violent combat reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

FINDAGRAVE:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68324909/william-j-hunniford
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