Corporal
United States Marine Corps
Lewis Bausell
Citation
Citation
CORPORAL LEWIS K. BAUSELL
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the First Battalion,
Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese
forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944. Valiantly placing
himself at the head of his squad, Corporal Bausell led the charge forward
against a hostile pillbox which was covering a vital sector of the beach
and, as the first to reach the emplacement, immediately started firing
his automatic into the aperture while the remainder of his men closed in
on the enemy. Swift to act a Japanese grenade was hurled into their midst,
Corporal Bausell threw himself on the deadly weapon, taking the full blast
of the explosion and sacrificing his own life to save his men. His unwavering
loyalty and inspiring courage reflect the highest credit upon Corporal
Bausell and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
President of the United States
Footnote: Lewis Bausell was born April 17,
1924 in Pulaski, Virginia. He moved to Washington D. C.,
at age 7 and he went to McKinley Tech High School in Washington,
D. C. He entered the USMC right after Pearl Harbor at age 17 (his
father signed for him) as he tried to enlist at age 16 but he was
too young!!!
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