Frank Vallee, Jr.

Boot camp at Parris Island with 9th Recruit Battalion. Qualified as expert rifleman; outposted to Parris Island Rifle Range Detachment as an instructor.

In late summer 1943, transferred to Military Police Company, Special Troops, Fourth Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA.

Participated in action in the Marshall Islands (Roi-Namur) as an MP. On April 26, transferred to HQ/1/24th Marines; assigned to C/1/24th Marines in May 1944.

Outfit: C/1/24th Marines
Rank: PFC
MOS: 745 (Rifleman)
Important Events:
July 12, 1944 – awarded Silver Star Medal for actions on this date.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, Fourth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Islands of Saipan and Tinian, in the Marianas Group, from 15 June to 24 July 1944. Leading his platoon in clearing operations on 12 July, Private First Class Vallee discovered a large pocket of by-passed Japanese troops and, expertly firing his rifle from the hip as he led his men in a bold charge, engaged the enemy in fierce combat and succeeded in annihilating approximately fifty Japanese soldiers. An indomitable fighter, Private First Class Vallee participated with determined aggressiveness in the bitter assault operations against both Saipan and Tinian and, by his intrepid initiative, great personal valor and cool conduct in the face of savage, unceasing opposition, contributed materially to the ultimate conquest of these vital enemy strongholds. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon Private First Class Vallee and upon the United States Naval Service.”

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: C/1/24th Marines
Rank: PFC
MOS: 745 (Rifleman)
Important Events:
July 12, 1944 – killed in action (sniper fire in chest) during landing operations on Tinian.

Campaign Narrative