Four Marines were awarded the Medal of Honor for their part in the invasion of the Tarawa Atoll
although many more undoubtedly deserved it. Three of these Marines were officers and one was an enlisted
man. Only one of the four, Col. Shoup, survived the battle but he was wounded in the assault.
Col. David Monroe Shoup First Lieutenant Alexander "Sandy" Bonnyman Jr.
Staff Sargent William James Bordelon
First Lieutenant William Dean Hawkins
copyright 1998 Wheaton, Illinois
Created Sept 16, 1999 - Updated October 7, 2000
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