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| Platoon Sergeant William Van Dyke earned the Navy Cross while serving with the 26th Marine Regiment at Iwo Jima. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12125497/william-henry-van_dyke https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2012/january/ugliest-bandage-iwo-jima |
William Henry Van Dyke never had a chance to reach 100 years old. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
Last year I was not able to write a profile everyday from September to November because I was studying for the Certified Financial Planner test (I passed!). I feel my project to honor one U.S. serviceman for each day of the war would be incomplete if I left them off. As I have time, I am going back and adding profiles for the days I missed.
William was born on October 29, 1918 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His parents Henry and Frankie were also both born in Michigan. His father worked as a railroad switchman and later as a clerk. Still later he worked as a chauffeur. William had one older sister and two younger brothers.
He enlisted in the marines in February 1940. While he served in other units first (perhaps the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment), he eventually became a platoon sergeant in Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 5th Marine Division.
The 5th MD landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. The 26th MR was held back as a reserve, but first day losses were so high, it had to be sent in. While the 28th MR was tasked with taking Mt. Suribachi, the 26th MR formed the left flank of the advance across the island. Daily progress for the first few days was counted in yards at a high cost. By February 22, the Marines had suffered 5,000 casualties. One of those was Sgt. Van Dyke.
General officers had determined that Regimental Combat Team 27 was too spent so 1/26 would have to take its place in the line. The switch was made during a pouring rainstorm and under heavy enemy fire. Further advances were limited, but Sgt. Van Dyke's valiant efforts earned him a posthumous Navy Cross.
His citation reads as follows:
When his company's attack was stopped by concentrated antitank and artillery fire from a high ridge to the front, Platoon Sergeant Van Dyke unhesitatingly attempted to lead his platoon up the high ground to assist the adjacent platoon.
Though the company's automatic weapons had been rendered inoperative by rain and sand, he pressed forward until enemy gunfire disabled two supporting tanks to his immediate front.
Persistent in his valiant efforts to deliver supporting fire, Sergeant Van Dyke attempted to mount the crippled tank but was struck down by the enemy.
Persistent in his valiant efforts to deliver supporting fire, Sergeant Van Dyke attempted to mount the crippled tank but was struck down by the enemy.
His great personal valor and aggressive fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Thank you Sgt. Van Dyke for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for William.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Follow on Twitter @ww2fallen100
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
His grave is at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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