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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
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Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Major Henry A. Courtney, Jr., USMCR, (1916-1945)
Henry Alexius Courtney Jr. was born on 6 January 1916 in Duluth,
Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in Duluth
and Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, where he obtained
a doctor's degree. In February 1940, Courtney was appointed to
the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from Minnesota and commissioned
a Second Lieutenant. A month later, he assumed command of the
Duluth unit of the Marine Corps Reserve and was mobilized to San
Diego, California. After a deployment to Iceland, he was ordered
to the Pacific after the United States' entry into World War II.
Courtney reported as a company commander with the First Marine
Division and served at the Solomon Islands during the
Battle of Guadalcanal.
On 14-15 May 1945, Courtney was the Executive Officer of the
Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, Sixth Marine Division
and participated in battle against the Japanese at Sugar Loaf
Hill, Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands. After a day's battle, he
was determined to attack the enemy at night before they waged
a counterattack. With tireless inspiration to reach the hill's
crest, he courageously engaged the enemy and bravely aided casualties
until he was mortally wounded by a mortar burst. His leadership
in this furious battle contributed to the Marines ultimate success
on the island. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity"
on this occasion, he was posthumously awarded the Medal
of Honor. During his active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve, he was promoted to the rank of Major. Henry A. Courtney,
Jr. is buried at the Calvary Cemetery, Duluth, Minnesota.
USS Courtney (DE-1021), 1956-1974, was named in honor
of Major Henry A. Courtney, Jr.
This page features the only image we have concerning Henry
A. Courtney, Jr.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 105851
Major Henry A. Courtney, Jr., USMCR
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 169.
Henry A. Courtney, Jr., was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while serving as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, Sixth Marine Division during combat action on Okinawa during the night of 14-15 May 1945. Determined to thwart a possible Japanese counterattack on Sugar Loaf Hill, he led his men in a successful assault on enemy positions, holding the newly-captured ground until he was mortally wounded by a hostile mortar burst.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 50KB; 580 x 765 pixels |
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Medal of Honor citation of Major Henry Alexius Courtney, Jr.,
USMCR (as printed in the official publication "Medal
of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 169):
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Executive Officer
of the Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa
Shima in the Ryukyu Islands, 14 and 15 May 1945. Ordered to hold
for the night in static defense behind Sugar Loaf Hill after
leading the forward elements of his command in a prolonged fire
fight, Major Courtney weighed the effect of a hostile night counterattack
against the tactical value of an intermediate Marine assault,
resolved to initiate the assault, and promptly obtained permission
to advance and seize the forward slope of the hill. Quickly explaining
the situation to his small remaining force, he declared his personal
intention of moving forward and then proceeded on his way, boldly
blasting near-by cave positions and neutralizing enemy guns as
he went. Inspired by his courage, every man followed without
hestitation, and together the intrepid Marines braved a terrific
concentration of Japanese gunfire to skirt the hill on the right
and reach the reverse slope. Temporarily halting, Major Courtney
sent guides to the rear for more ammunition and possible replacements.
Subsequently reinforced by 26 men and an LVT load of grenades,
he determined to storm the crest of the hill and crush any planned
counterattack before it could gain sufficient momentum to effect
a break-through. Leading his men by example rather than by command,
he pushed ahead with unrelenting agressiveness, hurling grenades
into cave openings on the slope with devastating effect. Upon
reaching the crest and observing large numbers of Japanese forming
for action less than 100 yards away, he instantly attacked, waged
a furious battle and succeeded in killing many of the enemy and
in forcing the remainder to take cover in the caves. Determined
to hold, he ordered his men to dig in and, coolly disregarding
the continuous hail of flying enemy shrapnel to rally his weary
troops, tirelessly aided casualties and assigned his men to more
advantageous positions. Although instantly killed by a hostile
mortar burst while moving among his men, Major Courtney, by his
astute military acumen, indomitable leadership and decisive action
in the face of overwhelming odds, had contributed essentially
to the success of the Okinawa campaign. His great personal valor
throughout sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country." |
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