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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Private First Class Harold C. Agerholm, USMCR, (1925-1944)
Harold Christ Agerholm was born on 29 January 1925 in Racine,
Wisconsin. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve from
that state in July 1942. After completing basic training at Marine
Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, he was assigned to
Fourth Battalion, Tenth Marines, Second Marine Division. In January
1943, while stationed with his unit in New Zealand, Agerholm was
promoted to Private First Class. In November, he participated
in the fierce fighting on Betio Island during the Battle of Tarawa.
His second combat operation began in mid-June 1944, when he
landed on Saipan, in the Marianas. On 7 July 1944, when Japanese
forces counter-attacked and captured a neighboring position, Agerholm
immediately volunteered to help evacuate the wounded . For three
hours, he made repeated trips under heavy rifle and mortar fire,
single-handedly evacuating approximately 45 casualities. Rushing
to help what he thought were other wounded Marines, he was mortally
wounded by a Japanese sniper. For his "conspicious gallantry
and intrepidity," he was posthumously awarded the Medal
of Honor. Harold C. Agerholm is buried at Mount Cemetery,
Racine, Wisconsin.
USS Agerholm (DD-826), 1946-1982, was named in honor
of Private First Class Harold C. Agerholm.
This page features the only image we have concerning Harold
C. Agerholm.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 94553
Private First Class Harold C. Agerholm, USMCR
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 149.
Harold C. Agerholm was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" on 7 July 1944, during the Battle of Saipan, when he courageously and single-handedly loaded and evacuated about 45 casualties while under heavy enemy fire. He was subsequently mortally wounded during an attempt to assist more wounded Marines.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 50KB; 580 x 765 pixels |
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Medal of Honor citation of Private First Class Harold C. Agerholm,
USMCR (as printed in the official publication "Medal
of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 149):
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with
the Fourth Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division,
in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands,
7 July 1944. When the enemy launched a fierce, determined counterattack
against our positions and overran a neighboring artillery battalion,
Private First Class Agerholm immediately volunteered to assist
in the efforts to check the hostile attack and evacuate our wounded.
Locating and appropriating an abandoned ambulance jeep, he repeatedly
made extremely perilous trips under heavy rifle and mortar fire
and single-handledly loaded and evacuted approximately 45 casualities,
working tirelessly and with utter disregard for his own safety
during a gruelling period of more than 3 hours. Despite intense,
persistent enemy fire, he ran out to aid two men whom he believed
to be wounded Marines but was himself mortally wounded by a Japanese
sniper while carrying out his hazardous mission. Private First
Class Agerholm's brilliant initiative, great personal valor and
self-sacrificing efforts in the face of almost certain death
reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." |
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Page made 10 March 2008
Photo caption corrected 23 March 2008
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