FOSTER, WILLIAM ADELBERT - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Birth: 17 February 1915, Cleveland, Ohio. Accredited to: Ohio. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with the 3d Battalion,
1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces
on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain 2 May 1945. Dug in with another marine
on the point of the perimeter defense after waging a furious assault against
a strongly fortified Japanese position, Pfc. Foster and his comrade engaged
in a fierce hand grenade duel with infiltrating enemy soldiers. Suddenly
an enemy grenade landed beyond reach in the foxhole. Instantly diving on
the deadly missile, Pfc. Foster absorbed the exploding charge in his own
body, thereby protecting the other marine from serious injury. Although
mortally wounded as a result of his heroic action, he quickly rallied,
handed his own remaining 2 grenades to his comrade and said, "Make them
count." Stouthearted and indomitable, he had unhesitatingly relinquished
his own chance of survival that his fellow marine might carry on the relentless
fight against a fanatic enemy, and his dauntless determination, cool decision
and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect
the highest credit upon Pfc. Foster and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
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