Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 8 August 1925, Quincy, Mass. Accredited to: Massachusetts.
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
Company 1, 3d Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the
Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Consistently aggressive, Pfc. Caddy
boldly defied shattering Japanese machinegun and small arms fire to move
forward with his platoon leader and another marine during the determined
advance of his company through an isolated sector and, gaining the
comparative safety of a shell hole, took temporary cover with his
comrades. |
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Immediately pinned down by deadly sniper fire from a well-concealed position, he made several unsuccessful attempts to again move forward and then, joined by his platoon leader, engaged the enemy in a fierce exchange of hand grenades until a Japanese grenade fell beyond reach in the shell hole. Fearlessly disregarding all personal danger, Pfc. Caddy instantly dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he unhesitatingly yielded his own life that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy. His dauntless courage and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Caddy and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades. | |
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