Medal of Honor: Grant Frederick Timmerman – World War II – July 8, 1944
On Saipan, a Marine tank commander led from the open turret under heavy enemy fire. When a Japanese grenade dropped into the hatch, he gave his life to save his crew.
July 8, 2026
Name: Grant Frederick Timmerman
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
War: World War II
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division
Date of Action: July 8, 1944
Location: Saipan, Mariana Islands
Summary of Action
On 8 July 1944, Sergeant Grant Frederick Timmerman served as a tank commander with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines during the Battle of Saipan.
Supporting an infantry assault against heavily defended Japanese positions, Timmerman led his tank slightly ahead of the advancing Marines while operating the anti-aircraft machine gun mounted atop the turret.
Maintaining a steady stream of suppressive fire, he helped protect the infantry as they advanced across the battlefield.
The attack eventually slowed when the force encountered a network of enemy trenches and reinforced pillboxes.
Spotting an opportunity to destroy one of the strongpoints with his tank's 75mm main gun, Timmerman ordered the vehicle to halt.
Knowing the tremendous blast from the cannon endangered nearby Marines, he deliberately stood upright in the exposed turret and shouted for the infantry to hit the ground before opening fire.
At that instant, a Japanese soldier hurled a hand grenade toward the open turret hatch.
Recognizing that the grenade would fall directly into the crew compartment and kill everyone inside, Timmerman reacted without hesitation.
He threw himself across the opening, trapping the grenade against his chest and sealing the hatch with his own body.
The grenade exploded instantly.
His selfless action absorbed the full force of the blast, sacrificing his own life while saving every member of his tank crew.
Sergeant Grant Frederick Timmerman's extraordinary courage, loyalty to his fellow Marines, and willingness to give his life for others reflected the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Medal of Honor Citation
TIMMERMAN, GRANT FREDERICK
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps.
Born: 14 February 1919, Americus, Kansas.
Accredited to: Kansas.
Other Navy award: Bronze Star Medal.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as tank commander serving with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 8 July 1944.
Advancing with his tank a few yards ahead of the infantry in support of a vigorous attack on hostile positions, Sergeant Timmerman maintained steady fire from his anti-aircraft sky-mount machine gun until progress was impeded by a series of enemy trenches and pillboxes.
Observing a target of opportunity, he immediately ordered the tank stopped and, mindful of the danger from the muzzle blast as he prepared to open fire with the 75mm gun, fearlessly stood up in the exposed turret and ordered the infantry to hit the deck.
Quick to act as a grenade hurled by the Japanese was about to drop into the open turret hatch, Sergeant Timmerman unhesitatingly blocked the opening with his body, holding the grenade against his chest and taking the full force of the explosion.
His exceptional valor and loyalty in saving his men at the cost of his own life reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Timmerman and the United States Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
