Medal of Honor: John Vincent Power – World War II – Marshall Islands – February 1944

Name: John Vincent Power
Rank: First Lieutenant
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Attached to the 4th Marine Division
Place: Namur Island
Born: 20 November 1918, Worcester, Massachusetts
Appointed From: Massachusetts

Summary of Action

On 1 February 1944, during the brutal landing and battle on Namur Island in the Kwajalein Atoll, First Lieutenant John Vincent Power led his platoon against heavily fortified Japanese defenses. While setting a demolition charge on an enemy pillbox, he was severely wounded in the stomach.

Despite the seriousness of his wound, Lieutenant Power refused to withdraw. Holding his injury closed with his left hand and firing his weapon with his right, he continued to lead the assault under intense enemy fire. When another hostile position was breached by explosives, he charged directly into the opening, emptying his carbine into the pillbox at point-blank range.

As he attempted to reload and press the attack, Lieutenant Power was struck again—this time in the stomach and head. Mortally wounded, he collapsed in the doorway of the enemy position he had just overrun. His refusal to yield, even while grievously wounded, embodied the highest ideals of Marine leadership and sacrifice.

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as platoon leader, attached to the 4th Marine Division, during the landing and battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Severely wounded in the stomach while setting a demolition charge on a Japanese pillbox, 1st Lt. Power was steadfast in his determination to remain in action. Protecting his wound with his left hand and firing with his right, he courageously advanced as another hostile position was taken under attack, fiercely charging the opening made by the explosion and emptying his carbine into the pillbox. While attempting to reload and continue the attack, 1st Lt. Power was shot again in the stomach and head and collapsed in the doorway. His exceptional valor, fortitude and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of withering enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.