Medal of Honor: Harold Gonsalves - World War II - April 15, 1945

Name: Harold Gonsalves
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
War: World War II
Unit: Acting Scout Sergeant, 4th Battalion, 15th Marines, 6th Marine Division
Date of Action: April 15, 1945
Location: Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands

Summary of Action

On 15 April 1945, Private First Class Harold Gonsalves distinguished himself during combat on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain.

His battalion was engaged in fierce fighting against Japanese defenders on the Motobu Peninsula near Mount Yaetake.

Serving as Acting Scout Sergeant, Gonsalves repeatedly braved intense enemy bombardment to assist his forward observation team in directing artillery fire onto hostile positions.

When his commanding officer decided to move into the front lines to better register bombardment on the enemy defenses, Gonsalves immediately volunteered to go forward.

Along with the officer and another Marine, he advanced uphill through heavy mortar and rifle fire.

As the small group reached the front, a Japanese grenade landed close among them.

There was no time to escape.

Without hesitation, Gonsalves threw himself upon the grenade.

He absorbed the full force of the explosion with his own body, shielding the others from serious or fatal wounds.

By willingly sacrificing his own life so his fellow Marines could continue the fight, he displayed courage of the highest order.

His cool judgment, instant action, and devotion to comrades reflected the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

GONSALVES, HAROLD

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Acting Scout Sergeant with the 4th Battalion, 15th Marines, 6th Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, 15 April 1945. Undaunted by the powerfully organized opposition encountered on Motobu Peninsula during the fierce assault waged by his battalion against the Japanese stronghold at Mount Yaetake, Pfc. Gonsalves repeatedly braved the terrific enemy bombardment to aid his forward observation team in directing well-placed artillery fire. When his commanding officer determined to move into the front lines in order to register a more effective bombardment in the enemy’s defensive position, he unhesitatingly advanced uphill with the officer and another Marine despite a slashing barrage of enemy mortar and rifle fire. As they reached the front and a Japanese grenade fell close within the group, instantly Pfc. Gonsalves dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and thereby protecting the others from serious and perhaps fatal wounds. Stouthearted and indomitable, Pfc. Gonsalves readily yielded his own chances of survival that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy and his cool decision, prompt action and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service.