Harold P. Forsythe
Encyclopedia
Harold P. Forsythe served in the United States Marine Corps
during World War II
. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Saipan
.
His award citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Harold P. Forsythe (MCSN: 540244), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a member of an Artillery Forward Observer Party serving with the Second Battalion, Fourteenth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 15 June 1944. Fighting boldly and aggressively during a sudden bitter attack by a group of Japanese, Private First Class Forsythe fearlessly assumed an exposed position so that a wounded companion could be evacuated to the rear and, holding his ground with fierce determination, single-handedly repelled the savage assault. Relentlessly waging a lone battle against the hostile assailants, he succeeded in annihilating seventeen of the enemy before he himself was fatally wounded. Private First Class Forsythe's indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor throughout this desperate action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Forsythe was born in Neenah, 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 was posthumously awarded 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 Saipan
Battle of Saipan
The Battle of Saipan was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought on the island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands from 15 June-9 July 1944. The Allied invasion fleet embarking the expeditionary forces left Pearl Harbor on 5 June 1944, the day before Operation Overlord in Europe was...
.
His award citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Harold P. Forsythe (MCSN: 540244), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a member of an Artillery Forward Observer Party serving with the Second Battalion, Fourteenth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 15 June 1944. Fighting boldly and aggressively during a sudden bitter attack by a group of Japanese, Private First Class Forsythe fearlessly assumed an exposed position so that a wounded companion could be evacuated to the rear and, holding his ground with fierce determination, single-handedly repelled the savage assault. Relentlessly waging a lone battle against the hostile assailants, he succeeded in annihilating seventeen of the enemy before he himself was fatally wounded. Private First Class Forsythe's indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor throughout this desperate action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Forsythe was born in Neenah, Wisconsin
Neenah, Wisconsin
Neenah is a city on Lake Winnebago in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, United States. Its population was 24,507 at the 2000 census. The city is bordered by, but is politically independent of, the Town of Neenah. Neenah is the southwestern-most of the Fox Cities of Northeast Wisconsin...
.