Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class of Reserves

Unit:

Company G, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps

"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 15 June 1944. With his squad pinned down by shattering automatic and small-arms fire emanating from a strongly held hostile position immediately after landing on the beach on D-Day, Private First Class Griffin voluntarily risked his life in a valiant attempt to wipe out the entrenchment. Seizing his automatic rifle, he boldly pressed forward through the withering barrage, delivering a steady stream of bullets into the Japanese emplacement as he advanced across the open, fire-swept terrain then, fearlessly leaping into the trench, fought a furious single-handed battle with fifteen Japanese soldiers, killing every man in the immediate vicinity and enabling his unit to continue the assault. Mortally wounded during the bitter engagement, Private First Class Griffin, by his daring initiative, great personal valor and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of almost certain death, had contributed materially to the saving of many lives and to the success of our operations against this heavily fortified hostile stronghold. His self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)