Thomas Ellis Underwood

Enlisted in Orlando, Florida, 22 October 1942. Boot camp with Fifth Recruit Battalion, Parris Island; transferred to 13th Separate Recruit Battalion, New River, North Carolina. Outposted directly to Baker Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced).

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 746 (BARman)

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 653 (Squad Leader)
Important Events:
July 1, 1944 – listed as sick (diagnosis unknown) and sent to field hospital
July 4, 1944 – returned to duty from sick
July 8, 1944 – photographed on Saipan by W. Eugene Smith and Stanley Troutman
July 18, 1944 – promoted to corporal

Received letter of commendation:

For excellent service in the line of his duties while serving as a squad leader of a rifle squad during the invasion and capture of Saipan, Marianas Islands, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. His courageous leadership, initiative, and devotion to duty were an inspiration to those in whose charge he had been placed, and his willingness to give battle aided materially to the success of his organization.

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: Corporal
MOS: 653 (Squad Leader)

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: Corporal
MOS: 737 (Rifle NCO)
Important Events:
February 22, 1945 – wounded in action (contusion, head); evacuated to USS Hocking.
February 26, 1945 – to beach from Hocking; returned to duty
March 4, 1945 – killed in action (shrapnel wound, back).

Received Bronze Star Medal for actions on this date.

For heroic service as Squad Leader while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, Fourth Marine Division, during operations against Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 4 March 1945. When his unit was held up by vicious fire from an entrenched enemy strong point, Corporal Underwood deployed his men for an assault, dauntlessly picking up a Browning Automatic Rifle when his carbine was shot from his hands. Fatally wounded as he valiantly led a spirited attack against the fiercely defended hostile emplacement, Corporal Underwood, by his aggressive courage and inspiring leadership, contributed materially to the destruction of the enemy position, thus enabling his platoon to advance. His unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Campaign Narrative