- SURNAME
Widdecke
- FORENAME
Charles Fred
- UNIT
1 Raider Bn (Company F)
- RANK
Second Lieutenant
- NUMBER
0-8547
- AWARD
Navy Cross
- PLACE
Guam 1944
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 11.05.1919, Bryan, Texas
father Henry August Widdecke, Sr (1887-1959)
mother Josephine (nee Baker) (1891-1962)
resided Dallas, Texas
wife Jane Ann (nee Perkins) Widdecke (1920-2004)
graduated University of Texas, Austin with a Bachelor of Arts degree
01.11.1941 commissioned Marine Corps as a second lieutenant
04.1942 joined 2nd Raider Battalion
commanded 1st Marine Division at end of Vietnam War
1972 retired as Marine Corps Major General
awards Navy Cross, Navy Distinguished Medal, Silver Star, 2 x Legion of Merit
died 13.05.1973 (Aged 54), Hospital Juan Maria Salvatierra, La Paz, Mexico due heart attack whilst of fishing trip
CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Fifth Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Guam, Marianas Islands, from 21 to 25 July 1944. Landing in the assault on Guam, Captain Widdecke led his men to the left flank of our invading force and, securing a position on the beach in the face of strong opposition, prepared for the attack against the fanatic enemy holding Orote Peninsula and its strategic airfield. A fearless and brilliant leader, he inspired his company to sustain the momentum of the subsequent attacks despite the bitterness of the action and the many casualties sustained by his Marines. With his company's advance disrupted by heavy machine-gun, rifle, artillery and mortar barrages, on 25 July, Captain Widdecke organized his men and, stepping out in front of all troops, led them in a bold and aggressive charge through intense hostile fire. Throwing the full power of his unit into the fight, he smashed the resisting Japanese with terrific impact, blasting defenses and capturing the hostile position before he himself was seriously wounded. His daring initiative, indomitable spirit and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were important factors in the success of our operations against the enemy on Guam, and his heroic conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon Captain Widdecke and the United States Naval Service.
Navy Distinguished Service Medal : Major General Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, Reinforced, Fifth Amphibious Corps in action against enemy Japanese forces on Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands on 22 February 1944. Boldly and courageously leading his troops in a landing assault in the face of a furious barrage from hostile heavy mortars and machine guns, Captain Widdecke aggressively advanced and fearlessly exposing himself to the steady hail of machine gun bullets in order to remain in full view of his men, continued to encourage and direct them in a headlong attack against the fanatically entrenched enemy. His forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty served as an inspiration to his men and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Widdecke and the United States Naval Service.
Legion Of Merit : Major General Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
Legion Of Merit (Gold Star) : Major General Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
Navy Distinguished Service Medal : Major General Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, Reinforced, Fifth Amphibious Corps in action against enemy Japanese forces on Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands on 22 February 1944. Boldly and courageously leading his troops in a landing assault in the face of a furious barrage from hostile heavy mortars and machine guns, Captain Widdecke aggressively advanced and fearlessly exposing himself to the steady hail of machine gun bullets in order to remain in full view of his men, continued to encourage and direct them in a headlong attack against the fanatically entrenched enemy. His forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty served as an inspiration to his men and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Widdecke and the United States Naval Service.
Legion Of Merit : Major General Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
Legion Of Merit (Gold Star) : Major General Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/8267https://marineraiderassociation.org/widdecke-charles-f/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_F._Widdecke
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