Photo #: NH 105925
Lieutenant Colonel Aquilla J. Dyess, USMCR
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official
publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy",
page 177.
Aquilla J. Dyess was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor
for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while serving
as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty Fourth Marines,
Reinforced, Fourth Marine Division during the assault against
Japanese forces on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands,
1-2 February 1944. In the face of heavy Japanese automatic weapons
fire, Dyess positioned himself in front of the Marine lines to
better identify enemy positions and lead his men against them.
He was killed by enemy machine gun fire while directing his troops'
assault on the last Japanese position.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 56KB; 580 x 765 pixels
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