Rank and organization: Lieutenant
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 11 January 1909,
Augusta, Ga. Appointed from: Georgia. Citation... For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 24th
Marines (Rein), 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese
forces during the assault on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall
Islands, 1 and 2 February 1944. Undaunted by severe fire from automatic
Japanese weapons, Lt. Col. Dyess launched a powerful final attack on the
second day of the assault, unhesitatingly posting himself between the
opposing lines to point out objectives and avenues of approach and
personally leading the advancing troops. |
![Dyess, Aquilla James](../../../images/heroes/moh/ww2/dyess.jpg) |
Alert, and
determined to quicken the pace of the offensive against
increased enemy fire, he was constantly at the head of advance
units, inspiring his men to push forward until the Japanese had
been driven back to a small center of resistance and victory
assured. While standing on the parapet of an antitank trench
directing a group of infantry in a flanking attack against the
last enemy position, Lt. Col. Dyess was killed by a burst of
enemy machinegun fire. His daring and forceful leadership and
his valiant fighting spirit in the face of terrific opposition
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. |