Theodore Erickson
Encyclopedia
Theodore Erickson served in the United States Marine Corps
during World War II
. He would receive the Navy Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima
.
His award citation reads:
Erickson was born in Orfordville, Wisconsin
, his official residence was listed as Beloit, Wisconsin
.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He would receive the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima
Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima , or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Empire of Japan. The U.S...
.
His award citation reads:
- The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Theodore O. Erickson (MCSN: 937639), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of Company A, Eleventh Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Fifth Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on the night of 15 March 1945. While in a defensive position as part of a front line unit, Private First Class Erickson unhesitatingly stepped on an enemy grenade which was thrown into his shell hole, thereby causing the fragments to be deflected from his comrades. By his outstanding courage, Private First Class Erickson undoubtedly saved the lives of the other men in the shell hole, and his gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Erickson was born in Orfordville, Wisconsin
Orfordville, Wisconsin
Orfordville is a village in Rock County, Wisconsin, United States, at the intersection of Highway 11, Highway 213, and the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad. The population was 1,272 at the census, with an estimated population of 1,302 in 2003.-History:...
, his official residence was listed as Beloit, Wisconsin
Beloit, Wisconsin
Beloit is a city in Rock County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2010 census, Beloit had a population of 36,966. The greater Beloit area is home to more than 91,000 residents.-Claim to fame:...
.