Fomby, Clifton E.

Date of birth:: January 29th, 1919 (Shiloh/Louisiana, United States)
Date of death:: November 22nd, 1943 (Tarawa, Gilbert Islands)
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

For conscious gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against hostile enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 22, 1943. When his company lost contact with supporting assault tanks, Sergeant Fomby courageously charged forward across an air-strip exposed to heavy enemy shellfire in order to regain contact. Discovering a strong hostile concrete emplacement threatening the advance of our forces, he successfully brought the support of the tanks against the enemy position, assuring its complete destruction. By his heroic self-sacrifice in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Fomby contributed immeasurably to the saving of many lives before he was killed by enemy shellfire during the perilous advance. His gallant conduct and unswerving devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service, He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awarded posthumously.