Denig, James Livingston

Date of birth:: December 25th, 1919 (Philadelphia/Pennsylvania, United States)
Date of death:: February 1st, 1944 (Roi-Namur/Kwajalein, Marshall Islands)
Buried on:: American War Graves United States Naval Academy Cemetery
Plot: 01. Grave: 165B.
Service number:: 0-5908
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: Company B, 4th Tank Battalion, HQ, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on January 31, 1944. Assuming command of eight light tanks immediately upon landing, Captain Denig skillfully directed the vehicles in a closely coordinated attack by tanks and infantry and, laboriously pushing into dense woods and almost impenetrable underbrush, enabled some of the tanks to break through to more open terrain, routing out and destroying numerous Japanese during the hazardous advancement. When he halted his tank to reconnoiter and was fatally wounded as a result of a sudden, vicious enemy attack, his wrecked machine marked the farthest advance of the infantry that day. Captain Denig's great personal valor, inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit contributed in a large measure to the progress of the infantry forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Posthumously awarded.
For action performed on 1 February 1944 at "Green" Beach, on the island Roi-Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.