Auman, Joseph Martin

Date of birth:: January 4th, 1922 (Chicago/Illinois, United States)
Date of death:: November 12th, 1942 (Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands)
Buried on:: American War Graves Mount Olive Cemetery
Service number:: MCSN: 293.089
Nationality:: American

Biography

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 27 August 1940 in Chicago.
After duty at San Diego, California, Private Auman served on Guadalcanal during the Guadalcanal campaign. On 12 November 1942, when his company was forced to make a temporary withdrawal, Private Auman, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, manned a machine gun and covered the retirement. Steadfastly remaining at his exposed position, he continued to fire the weapon until killed in action.
The United States Navy destroyer escort USS Joseph M. Auman (DE-674) was named for Private Auman. She was converted during construction into the high-speed transport USS Joseph M. Auman (APD-117) and was in commission from 1945 to 1946.

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private
Unit:: Company E, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Raiders, U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:: May 3rd, 1943

"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company E, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion during an engagement with the enemy Japanese forces at Asamana, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 11 November 1942. When his company was forced by overwhelming enemy fire to make a temporary withdrawal, Private Auman, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, manned a machine gun and covered the retirement. Steadfastly remaining at his exposed position, he continued to fire his gun until killed by the enemy. His dauntless courage and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the defense of his country."

Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 0478 (May 3, 1943)