Return to Naval Historical Center home page. Return to Online Library Listing

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --

Staff Sergeant William J. Bordelon, USMC, (1920-1943)

William James Bordleon was born on 25 December 1920 in San Antonio, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps from that state in December 1941. Bordleon completed Basic Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, then remained in the area serving in Company D, Second Engineer Division, Second Marine Division. In February 1942, he was promoted to Private First Class, followed by promotions to Corporal in March and to Sergeant in June. That October, after temporary duty with other companies, he departed with Company C, Eighteenth Marines for training at Wellington, New Zealand, and during late 1942 and early 1943 participated in the final months of the bitter fight for Guadalcanal.

In May 1943, while preparing for his next campaign, Bordelon was promoted to Staff Sergeant. On 20 November 1943, he landed with the Assault Engineer Platoon of the First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, Second Marine Division on the fiercely-defended Japanese stronghold of Betio Island, part of Tarawa Atoll in Gilbert Islands. Despite several serious wounds received during the assault, Bordelon courageously refused medical aid and remained in action, destroying three enemy fortifications and assisting other wounded Marines. During a single-handed assault another enemy machine-gun position, he was mortally wounded. For "valourous and gallant conduct" on the fire-swept Betio beach, Staff Sergeant Bordelon was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.

USS Bordelon (DD/DDR-881), 1945-1977, was named in honor of Staff Sergeant William J. Bordelon.

This page features the only image we have concerning William J. Bordelon.

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: NH 105672 Staff Sergeant William J. Bordelon, USMC Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 160. William J. Bordelon was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "valorous and gallant conduct " on 20 November 1943 during the Battle of Tarawa, Gilbert Islands. Despite serious wounds, he remained with his platoon and continued in action until he was killed while single-handedly assaulting a Japanese machine-gun position. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph. Online Image: 40KB; 580 x 765 pixels

Medal of Honor citation of Staff Sergeant William James Bordelon, USMC (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 160): "For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as a Member of an Assault Engineer Platoon of the First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, tactically attached to the SECOND Marine Division, in action against the Japanese-held atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands on 20 November 1943. Landing in the assault waves under withering enemy fire which killed all but four of the men in his tractor, Staff Sergeant Bordelon hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put two pillboxes out of action. Hit by enemy machine-gun fire just as charge exploded in his hand while assaulting a third position, he courageously remained in action and, although out of demolition, provided himself with a rifle and furnished fire coverage for a group of men scaling the sea wall. Disregarding his own serious condition, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of one of his demolition men, wounded and calling for help in the water, rescuing the man and another who had been hit by enemy fire while attempting to make the rescue. Still refusing first aid for himself, he again made up demolition charges and single-handedly assaulted a fourth Japanese machine-gun position but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the enemy. Staff Sergeant Bordelon's great personal valor during a critical phase of securing the limited beachhead was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation of the island, and his heroic determination throughout 3 days of violent battle reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Return to Naval Historical Center home page.

Page made 15 April 2008