WILLIAM DEANE HAWKINS

First Lieutenant
2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines

Born April 19, 1914 in Fort Scott, Kansas
Appointed from El Paso, Texas
Awarded posthumously for heroic action at Tarawa in on November 21, 1943
Killed in action November 21, 1943 at age 29

CITATION

For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of a scout sniper platoon attached to the assault regiment, in action against the Japanese-held atoll of Tarawa

The first to disembark from the jeep lighter, 1st Lt. Hawkins unhesitatingly moved forward under heavy enemy fire at the end of the Betio Pier, neutralizing emplacements in coverage of troops assaulting the main beach positions.  Fearlessly leading his men on to join the forces fighting desperately to gain a beachhead, he repeatedly risked his life throughout the day and night to direct and lead attacks on pillboxes and installations with grenades and demolitions.  At dawn on the following day, 1st Lt. Hawkins resumed the dangerous mission of clearing the limited beachhead of Japanese resistance, personally initiating an assault on a hostile position fortified by five enemy machine guns, and, crawling forward in the face of withering fire, boldly fired point-blank into the loopholes and completed the destruction with grenades.  Refusing to withdraw after being seriously wounded in the chest during this skirmish, 1st Lt. Hawkins steadfastly carried the fight to the enemy, destroying three more pillboxes before he was caught in a burst of Japanese shellfire and mortally wounded.  His relentless fighting spirit in the face of formidable opposition and his exceptionally daring tactics served as an inspiration to his comrades during the most crucial phase of the battle and reflect the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service.  He gallantly gave his life for his country.