Medal of Honor: William Robert Caddy – U.S. Marine Corps – World War II

Name: William Robert Caddy
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Unit: Company I, 3d Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division
Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Born: 8 August 1925, Quincy, Massachusetts
Accredited To: Massachusetts

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Summary of Action

During the brutal seizure of Iwo Jima, Private First Class William Robert Caddy advanced with his company through an isolated sector swept by devastating Japanese machine-gun and small-arms fire.

Aggressive and determined, he pushed forward with his platoon leader and another Marine until they reached the temporary cover of a shell hole.

There, they were immediately pinned down by deadly sniper fire from a concealed enemy position.

Caddy made repeated attempts to move forward but was forced back by the intensity of the fire. Joined by his platoon leader, he began exchanging hand grenades with the enemy in a desperate fight at close range.

Then a Japanese grenade landed in their shell hole — beyond reach to throw clear.

There was no time.

Without a second thought, Caddy threw himself upon the grenade.

The explosion tore through him.

His body absorbed the full force of the blast, shielding his comrades from serious injury or death.

In that single act of complete self-sacrifice, he gave his life so others could continue the relentless fight against a fanatical enemy.

His courage, devotion, and indomitable spirit reflect the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.

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Medal of Honor Citation

CADDY, WILLIAM ROBERT

Born: 8 August 1925, Quincy, Mass.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company I, 3d Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Consistently aggressive, Pfc. Caddy boldly defied shattering Japanese machinegun and small arms fire to move forward with his platoon leader and another marine during the determined advance of his company through an isolated sector and, gaining the comparative safety of a shell hole, took temporary cover with his comrades. Immediately pinned down by deadly sniper fire from a well-concealed position, he made several unsuccessful attempts to again move forward and then, joined by his platoon leader, engaged the enemy in a fierce exchange of hand grenades until a Japanese grenade fell beyond reach in the shell hole. Fearlessly disregarding all personal danger, Pfc. Caddy instantly dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he unhesitatingly yielded his own life that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy. His dauntless courage and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Caddy and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.