Whaling, William John "Wild Bill"

Date of birth:: February 26th, 1894 (St. Cloud/Minnesota, United States)
Date of death:: November 20th, 1989 (Lyons/New Jersey, United States)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 4. Grave: 2828.
Nationality:: American

Biography

June 4, 1920: First Lieutenant
December 1, 1930: Captain
August 1, 1936: Major
March 1, 1941: Lieutenant Colonel
May 21, 1942: Colonel (temp)
July 1, 1949: Brigadier General

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Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: HQ, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:: February 1944

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving on the staff of the FIRST Marine Division on Guadalcanal during September and October 1942. Colonel Whaling organized a scout-sniper detachment and supervised the training of selected groups in scouting stalking and ambush tactics. By his instruction and expert knowledge of jungle warfare, he contributed immeasurably to the success achieved by our patrols."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 323

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: Commanding Officer, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:: April 1945

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, at Cape Glouchester, New Britain, during the period from 26 to 30 December 1943."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 337 (5/16" Gold Star & Combat V device)

Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: Commanding Officer, 29th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division "The Striking Sixth", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:: January 20th, 1948
Awarded for:: Operation Iceberg

"For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against the enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 15 April to 21 June 1945. Assuming command of a regiment committed to extensive operations over an exceptionally broad zone of action on Motobu Peninsula, Colonel Whaling skillfully maneuvered elements of his command through rugged and precipitous mountain terrain to aid in driving the enemy to a final defensive position on Mount Yaetake. Though his forces were widely dispersed during this phase of the campaign, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to direct hostile fire among the most advanced elements of his Regiment, thereby obtaining maximum coordination which resulted in crushing the last enemy resistance. By his conspicuous bravery in personally directing assault units, Colonel Whaling contributed materially to the seizure of the desperately defended Sugar Loaf Hill. His aggressive and inspiring leadership during the subsequent landing on Oroku Peninsula was an important factor in the successful reduction of one of the most heavily fortified Japanese strongholds encountered. Colonel Whaling's gallant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 86000

Silver Citation Star

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Second Lieutenant
Unit:: 6th Regiment (Marines), 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

"Second Lieutenant William J. Whaling (MCSN: 0-1049), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Second Lieutenant Whaling distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Thiaucourt, France, 12 - 26 September 1918."

Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces