Medal of Honor: William Adelbert Foster - World War II - May 2, 1945

Name: William Adelbert Foster
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
War: World War II
Unit: 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division
Date of Action: May 2, 1945
Location: Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Chain

Summary of Action

On 2 May 1945, Private First Class William Adelbert Foster distinguished himself during the brutal fighting on Okinawa.

After participating in a fierce assault against a fortified Japanese position, Foster and another Marine were dug in on the forward edge of a perimeter defense.

Enemy soldiers began infiltrating the line, and the two Marines found themselves locked in a deadly grenade duel at close range.

Explosions tore through the position as both sides exchanged grenades in rapid succession.

Then, in a sudden and deadly moment, an enemy grenade landed inside their foxhole—just out of reach.

There was no time to throw it back.

No way to escape.

Without hesitation, Foster dove onto the grenade.

The blast was absorbed by his body, shielding the Marine beside him from certain death.

Mortally wounded, Foster did not surrender to the moment.

He rallied himself, reached for his remaining grenades, and handed them to his comrade.

His final words were simple and direct:

“Make them count.”

In that moment, he ensured the fight would continue.

His courage, selflessness, and absolute devotion to his fellow Marine embodied the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

FOSTER, WILLIAM ADELBERT

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with the 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain 2 May 1945. Dug in with another marine on the point of the perimeter defense after waging a furious assault against a strongly fortified Japanese position, Pfc. Foster and his comrade engaged in a fierce hand grenade duel with infiltrating enemy soldiers. Suddenly an enemy grenade landed beyond reach in the foxhole. Instantly diving on the deadly missile, Pfc. Foster absorbed the exploding charge in his own body, thereby protecting the other marine from serious injury. Although mortally wounded as a result of his heroic action, he quickly rallied, handed his own remaining 2 grenades to his comrade and said, “Make them count.” Stouthearted and indomitable, he had unhesitatingly relinquished his own chance of survival that his fellow marine might carry on the relentless fight against a fanatic enemy, and his dauntless determination, cool decision and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Foster and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.