Harold Christ Agerholm – Medal of Honor – World War II – 7 July 1944

Harold Christ Agerholm
Rank: Private First Class
Conflict: World War II
Unit: 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division
Date of Action: July 7, 1944
Location: Saipan, Mariana Islands

Summary of Action:
On July 7, 1944, as the Battle of Saipan raged in the Mariana Islands, Private First Class Harold C. Agerholm of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve faced one of the largest banzai attacks of World War II. Japanese forces launched a massive counteroffensive, breaking through American lines and overwhelming an adjacent artillery battalion. Without hesitation, Agerholm volunteered to help stem the attack and evacuate wounded Marines under fire.

Finding an abandoned ambulance jeep, he embarked on a solo mission of mercy, repeatedly driving into the heart of enemy fire. Over the course of more than three relentless hours, Agerholm made trip after trip—alone—into the chaos, rescuing and loading roughly 45 wounded men. Rifle rounds cracked overhead and mortar shells rained down, but he pressed on, ignoring the mortal danger. During one final run, Agerholm spotted two figures he believed to be wounded Americans. As he rushed to assist, a Japanese sniper struck him down. He was just 19 years old.

PFC Agerholm's sacrifice was not in vain. His extraordinary valor and selfless commitment to his fellow Marines likely saved dozens of lives. His last acts reflected the purest ideals of the Marine Corps—and of human courage.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2d 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, Pfc. 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-handedly loaded and evacuated approximately 45 casualties, working tirelessly and with utter disregard for his own safety during a grueling period of more than 3 hours. Despite intense, persistent enemy fire, he ran out to aid 2 men whom he believed to be wounded marines but was himself mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while carrying out his hazardous mission. Pfc. 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 U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.