Fred Brim Penninger

Boot camp at Parris Island with Second Recruit Battalion. Outposted directly to Baker Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) at New River.

Note: remarkably fast rise through ranks. Promoted to PFC on 10 January 1943; to Corporal on 3 March 1943; to Sergeant on 11 January 1944.

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: Sergeant
MOS: 653 (Squad Leader)
Important Events:
February 1, 1944 – wounded in action (shrapnel, head & face); refused evacuation.
February 2, 1944 – killed in action (gunshot wounds, head and body), while defending position against early-morning Japanese counterattack.

Awarded Navy Cross for actions on both dates.

For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on February 1 and 2, 1944. Suffering from shrapnel wounds in the head and face incurred early in the action, Sergeant Penninger refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his squad far into Japanese-held territory. Fearlessly exposing himself, he deliberately drew enemy fire to aid in locating hostile snipers and gun positions and faced Japanese automatic weapons and small arms fire when he ran into a clear area in order to display front line marking panels to friendly aircraft. Leading in the successful capture of an enemy pillbox and the destruction of its occupants, Sergeant Penninger later acted as forward observer for a 60-mm. mortar, staunchly holding his position only 35 yards from the point of impact and directing the fire into oncoming enemy ranks as they launched a suicidal charge against our troops. Remaining steadfast during this fierce action until those about him had withdrawn, Sergeant Penninger was killed by a Japanese sniper’s bullet but, through his heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, he had insured the defeat of the hostile attack. His great personal valor and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Campaign Narrative