Medal of Honor: Wesley Phelps, World War II, October 4, 1944

Name: Wesley Phelps
Rank: Private First Class
War: World War II
Date of Action: October 4, 1944
Unit: 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Born: June 12, 1923, Neafus, Kentucky
Accredited to: Kentucky

Summary of Action
During the savage fighting on Peleliu Island, PFC Wesley Phelps held an advanced position with another Marine when a Japanese grenade fell into their foxhole amid the night’s brutal counterattack. With no time to escape and no thought for himself, Phelps shouted a warning to his comrade, then rolled directly onto the grenade. The explosion tore through his body, killing him instantly—but his selfless act saved the life of his fellow Marine. In that instant, Phelps joined the unbroken line of heroes who have given their last breath for another, embodying the very soul of the Marine Corps motto: Semper Fidelis.

Medal of Honor Citation
PHELPS, WESLEY
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 12 June 1923, Neafus, Ky. Accredited to: Kentucky. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, during a savage hostile counterattack on the night of 4 October 1944. Stationed with another marine in an advanced position when a Japanese handgrenade landed in his foxhole Pfc. Phelps instantly shouted a warning to his comrade and rolled over on the deadly bomb, absorbing with his own body the full, shattering impact of the exploding charge. Courageous and indomitable, Pfc. Phelps fearlessly gave his life that another might be spared serious injury, and his great valor and heroic devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.