Military Wiki
Maurice Amundson
Place of birth Cameron, Wisconsin
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Rank Captain
Unit 22nd Marine Regiment
Battles/wars

World War II

Maurice Amundson was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was the commanding officer of Company G, Second Battalion, 22nd Marine Regiment, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps. Amundson was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Guam.

Amundson was born in Cameron, Wisconsin.[1]

His award citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Maurice R. Amundson (MCSN: 0-9482), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, 21–27 July 1944. A forceful and courageous leader, Captain Amundson directed his men aggressively and with expert tactical skill and, on 27 July, when his company was ordered to spearhead an attack down a narrow neck of land on Orote Peninsula through a particularly strong enemy defensive position, tenaciously kept the attack rolling by his own inspiring valor despite the heavy casualties inflicted on his company. Fearlessly exposing himself to intense hostile fire, he repeatedly moved in and out of the front lines, pointing out targets to his tanks and personally directing the placing of supporting weapons and evacuation of the wounded until he was killed while administering first aid to one of his men. Captain Amundson's indomitable fighting spirit, unselfish efforts and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.'

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