VANDEGRIFT, ALEXANDER ARCHER - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Major General, U.S. Marine Corps, commanding
officer of the 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Solomon Islands, 7
August to 9 December 1942. Entered service at: Virginia. Birth: 13 March
1887, Charlottesville, Va. Citation: For outstanding and heroic accomplishment
above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the 1st Marine
Division in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands
during the period 7 August to 9 December 1942. With the adverse factors
of weather, terrain, and disease making his task a difficult and hazardous
undertaking, and with his command eventually including sea, land, and air
forces of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, Maj. Gen. Vandegrift achieved marked
success in commanding the initial landings of the U.S. forces in the Solomon
Islands and in their subsequent occupation. His tenacity, courage, and
resourcefulness prevailed against a strong, determined, and experienced
enemy, and the gallant fighting spirit of the men under his inspiring leadership
enabled them to withstand aerial, land, and sea bombardment, to surmount
all obstacles, and leave a disorganized and ravaged enemy. This dangerous
but vital mission, accomplished at the constant risk of his life, resulted
in securing a valuable base for further operations of our forces against
the enemy, and its successful completion reflects great credit upon Maj.
Gen. Vandegrift, his command, and the U.S. Naval Service.
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