SSgt William J. Bordelon, Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps, attached to the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, 2d Marine Division

Background
William Jennings Bordelon Jr. was born December 25, 1920 in San Antonio, Texas.

Wartime History
On November 20, 1943 landed on Tarawa (Betio) tactically attached to the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, 2d Marine Division. Ashore, SSgt Bordelon hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put two pillboxes out of action. Hit by enemy machine gun fire just as a 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 seawall.

Medal of Honor
Bordelon earned the Medal of Honor for his actions November 20, 1943, posthumously.

Medal of Honor (November 20, 1943, posthumously) "For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as a member of an assault engineer platoon of the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, tactically attached to the 2d 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, S/Sgt. Bordelon hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put two pillboxes out of action. Hit by enemy machinegun fire just as a 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 seawall. 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 this 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 machinegun position but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the enemy. S/Sgt. 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 three days of violent battle reflects the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Memorials
Bordelon was officially declared dead November 20, 1943. He was initially buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) at Plot A Row 0 Grave 481. He is permanently buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at section AI site 558.

References
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - William James Bordelon (MOH citation)
FindAGrave - SSGT William Jennings Bordelon, Jr (photo, grave Punchbowl)
FindAGrave - SSGT William Jennings Bordelon, Jr (photo, grave photo Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery)

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?