Medal of Honor, Clyde Thomason, World War II, August 17–18, 1942

Name: Clyde Thomason
War: World War II
Date: August 17–18, 1942

Summary of Action

In August 1942, just months after the Battle of Midway shifted momentum in the Pacific, the United States Marine Raiders launched a daring strike against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands. The mission, executed by Carlson’s Raiders, was one of America’s earliest special operations in the Pacific War. Its purpose was threefold: to harass and disrupt Japanese forces, to gather intelligence on enemy strength and defenses, and to test Japan’s hold on its outer island perimeter.

The Raiders landed by rubber boats in the pre-dawn darkness of August 17, battling heavy surf and confusion as they pushed ashore. Once on land, they faced stiff enemy resistance from dug-in Japanese defenders armed with machine guns and snipers hidden in fortified positions. The fight quickly turned into a series of close-quarters engagements fought in the sweltering jungle heat.

At the forefront of the action was Sergeant Clyde Thomason. Leading the advance element of the assault, Thomason displayed sharp tactical judgment, calmly placing his men under fierce enemy fire to maximize their survival and effectiveness. His leadership steadied the Raiders in the chaos of the first exchanges.

In one dramatic moment, Thomason spotted an enemy sniper firing from concealment inside a native-style hut. With complete disregard for his own safety, he strode directly up to the building, kicked in the door, and shot the sniper before the man could take another American life. His boldness electrified the men around him, showing that aggressiveness and courage could overwhelm fear and hesitation.

Later in the battle, as his Marines pressed an assault on a heavily defended Japanese strongpoint, Thomason again took the lead. Exposed to fire and urging his men forward, he was struck down and killed in action. His sacrifice became the rallying point for his Raiders, who fought on with renewed fury, ultimately overrunning Japanese defenses and completing their mission before withdrawing from the island.

Though the raid came at a cost, its results were significant. It inflicted casualties on the Japanese, boosted American morale, and proved the viability of Raider operations behind enemy lines. For his actions on Makin, Sgt. Thomason was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor—the first Marine Raider to be so honored.

His courage, calm leadership, and refusal to waver under fire not only inspired his men in the moment but also set a lasting example of Marine valor. His name remains etched in Marine Corps history as the embodiment of bold leadership in the face of overwhelming odds.

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin on 17–18 August 1942. Leading the advance element of the assault echelon, Sgt. Thomason disposed his men with keen judgment and discrimination and, by his exemplary leadership and great personal valor, exhorted them to like fearless efforts. On one occasion, he dauntlessly walked up to a house which concealed an enemy Japanese sniper, forced in the door and shot the man before he could resist. Later in the action, while leading an assault on an enemy position, he gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. His courage and loyal devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.