- SURNAME
Tanner
- FORENAME
Karl
- UNIT
3 Raider Bn (HQ Company)
- RANK
First Lieutenant
- NUMBER
0-016663
- DATE OF DEATH
9th March 1945
- AGE
34
- GRAVESITE
National Memorial Cemetery, Honolulu, Hawaii Plot B Row O Grave 448
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Tennessee
born 15.05.1910, Mexico City, Mexico
father Kenneth Boyd Tanner (1883-1965)
mother Bertha Marie (nee Alter) Tanner (1886-1954)
graduated University of Texas
employed as claims managed Texas Employers Insurance Association
next of kin - Parents Mr and Mrs Kenneth B. Tanner, Eastland, Texas
13.09.1942 half brother Sgt. Kenneth Boyd Tanner Royal Canadian Air Force KIA
awards Navy Cross, Commendation Ribbon
KIA Iwo Jima
DATE OF DEATH:
09-Mar-1945AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/tanner-karl.29805/CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Karl Tanner (MCSN: 0-16663), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while attached to the First Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 1 to 9 March 1945. Unhesitatingly assuming command of a company pinned down by shattering hostile machine-gun, mortar and sniper fire emanating from a series of mutually supporting caves and pillboxes, First Lieutenant Tanner fearlessly exposed himself to the withering barrage to continue the attack. Constantly inspiring his men to greater effort despite fierce resistance, he boldly led them forward and, waging furious battle against the fanatic Japanese, maintained his aggressive, determined tactics to drive the enemy 200 yards inland. Fatally struck down by the enemy while conducting a subsequent perilous action on 9 March, First Lieutenant Tanner, by his brilliant and forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and dauntless perseverance in the face of tremendous odds, had contributed essentially to the success of our sustained drive against this vital hostile stronghold and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/8337FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/3794154/karl-tanner
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