William Harry Skeens

Boot camp at New River, North Carolina, with Seventh Separate Recruit Battalion. Outposted directly to Dog Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) at New River on 25 October 1942.

Outfit: D/1/24th Marines, 81mm Mortar Platoon
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 607 (Mortar Gunner)

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: HQ/1/24th Marines, 81mm Mortar Platoon
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 504 (Ammunition Carrier)
Important Events:
June 18, 1944 – killed in action (“chest wound from sniper fire”) while clearing infiltrators from his mortar position. Awarded Silver Star Medal for actions up to and including this date:

Courageous and aggressive in the face of terrific fire from Japanese guns, Private First Class Skeens rendered valiant service during the invasion of this strategically important island and, by his technical skill and outstanding conduct contributed materially to the success of a vital campaign pointing toward further victories over the Japanese. On 18 June 1944, the mortar platoon to which he was attached was attacked by an enemy patrol and Private First Class Skeens, utterly disregarding his own safety, left the mortar to which he was assigned and single-handedly attacked the hostile platoon, killing several Japanese before he was killed. His self-sacrificing spirit and heroic determination were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Campaign Narrative