Medal of Honor: Richard Edward Kraus - World War II - October 5, 1944

Name: Richard Edward Kraus
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
War: World War II
Unit: 8th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force
Date of Action: October 5, 1944
Location: Peleliu, Palau Islands

Summary of Action

On 5 October 1944, Private First Class Richard Edward Kraus displayed extraordinary heroism during the bitter campaign for Peleliu.

The battle had already become one of the most savage engagements of the Pacific War. Japanese defenders occupied fortified positions across the island, and casualties among American forces continued to mount.

When word arrived that a wounded Marine lay forward of the lines, Kraus immediately volunteered for the dangerous mission of bringing him back to safety.

Accompanied by three fellow Marines, he moved into hostile territory and successfully penetrated enemy-held ground in search of the casualty.

Before they could complete the rescue, however, the group came under a devastating barrage of Japanese hand grenades.

Forced to take cover and unable to reach the wounded Marine, the rescue party reluctantly began withdrawing toward friendly lines.

As they moved back, they spotted two figures approaching who appeared to be Marines.

Following proper procedure, the group challenged the approaching men and demanded the password.

Instead of answering, one of the figures—revealed to be a Japanese soldier—threw a hand grenade directly into the middle of the Marine patrol.

There was no time to escape.

Instantly recognizing the danger to his companions, Kraus threw himself onto the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body.

He was killed instantly.

His selfless sacrifice saved the lives of the three Marines beside him.

Through his courage, devotion to duty, and willingness to give his life for his comrades, Richard Edward Kraus exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

KRAUS, RICHARD EDWARD

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 8th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 5 October 1944. Unhesitatingly volunteering for the extremely hazardous mission of evacuating a wounded comrade from the front lines, Pfc. Kraus and 3 companions courageously made their way forward and successfully penetrated the lines for some distance before the enemy opened with an intense, devastating barrage of hand grenades which forced the stretcher party to take cover and subsequently abandon the mission. While returning to the rear, they observed 2 men approaching who appeared to be marines and immediately demanded the password. When, instead of answering, 1 of the 2 Japanese threw a hand grenade into the midst of the group, Pfc. Kraus heroically flung himself upon the grenade and, covering it with his body, absorbed the full impact of the explosion and was instantly killed. By his prompt action and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of his 3 companions, and his loyal spirit of self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.