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Photo # NH 94553:  Private First Class Harold C. Agerholm, USMCR

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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.


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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

 



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."


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 10 March 2008
Photo caption corrected 23 March 2008