1stLt Alexander Bonnyman (2/8 Marines) Battle of Tarawa, WWII 20-23NOV1943

20-23NOV1943: Serving as an executive officer for a shore party during the assault on Tarawa, 1stLT Alexander Bonnyman found his fellow Marines pinned down by heavy Japanese fire on the beaches. Despite the volume of fire, Bonnyman traversed the open beaches to acquire flame throwers and demo equipment, organize his men, and lead attacks into the Japanese positions.

By the third day of the attack, Bonnyman and his fellow Marines were held up by a strongly fortified bunker holding an estimated 150 Japanese fighters. This strong point was inflicting heavy casualties on the Marines and had to be destroyed. 1stLt Bonnyman led multiple attacks to try to overrun the position, returning only to replenish his ammunition. Finally reaching the structure, Bonnyman placed explosive charges at two entrances as well as the roof.

This act flushed out nearly 100 enemy fighters that were engaged by nearby Marines. Having placed the last charges himself, Bonnyman was right on top of the enemy as they fled. He held his ground and killed three before falling to a volley of enemy fire. With this final structure cleared, Bonnyman's fellow Marines were able to finally break the enemy resistance.

For his heroic actions on the beach and clearing the path inland on Tarawa, 1stLt Alexander Bonnyman would be awarded, posthumously, the Medal of Honor.