|
Rank/Rate |
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps |
Service Number |
348240 |
Birth Date |
November 13, 1921 |
From |
Franklin, Louisiana |
Decorations |
Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal |
Command |
2nd Raider Battalion, carried aboard
USS
Argonaut |
Loss Date |
October 16, 1942 |
Location |
Kwajalein |
Circumstances |
Captured on Butaritari Island, Makin Atoll,
taken to Kwajalein and executed |
Remarks |
Navy Cross Citation, written before the actual
circumstances of his death were known:
The President of the United
States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross
(Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald R. A. Roberton
(MCSN: 348240), United States Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while
serving as a member of a volunteer boat crew in Company B,
SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider
Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the
Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. Fully aware of the
hazards of an imminent enemy air attack, and with complete
disregard for his own life, Private Roberton, with four
others, volunteered to take a boat to a point just outside a
reef and shoot a line ashore to assist in evacuating those
men remaining on the beach. Caught on the sea, he was
defeated in his valiant efforts by the violent strafing of
his boat by withering enemy machine-gun fire. His great
personal valor and loyal spirit of self-sacrifice were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the United States
Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service
of his country. |
Photo
courtesy of Gunner Ed Sere, USMC, ret.
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Roberton, Donald Ray Anthony
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