US Navy PO1 Elmer Bigelow: Medal of Honor Recipient WWII

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Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving on board the U.S.S. Fletcher during action against enemy Japanese forces off Corregidor Island in the Philippines, 14 February 1945. Standing topside when an enemy shell struck the Fletcher, Bigelow, acting instantly as the deadly projectile exploded into fragments which penetrated the No. 1 gun magazine and set fire to several powder cases, picked up a pair of fire extinguishers and rushed below in a resolute attempt to quell the raging flames. Refusing to waste the precious time required to don rescue-breathing apparatus, he plunged through the blinding smoke billowing out of the magazine hatch and dropped into the blazing compartment. Despite the acrid, burning powder smoke which seared his lungs with every agonizing breath, he worked rapidly and with instinctive sureness and succeeded in quickly extinguishing the fires and in cooling the cases and bulkheads, thereby preventing further damage to the stricken ship. Although he succumbed to his injuries on the following day, Bigelow, by his dauntless valor, unfaltering skill and prompt action in the critical emergency, had averted a magazine explosion which undoubtedly would have left the ship wallowing at the mercy of the furiously pounding Japanese guns on Corregidor, and his heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Please view our other videos to learn about our Medal of Honor heroes.

Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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Thank you for your service and sacrifice!

FredSmith-st
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RIP, Never forget the sacrifice made by those KIA. God Bless You.

svnyc
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Thank you for your service and sacrifice

krismueller
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True Badass. Thank you Sir for your service, RIP

thomascorrea
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RIP Sir lest we not forget hero like you ❤

nusadua
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America 🇺🇸 Thanks you as a Hero. The naming of the Bigelow is a True testament to your sacrifice in saving the crew

Redeye
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Thank you for this article. I served on the USS Bigelow for 3 1/2 years. Concorditer Pugnamus.

vadenearnest
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God bless you. Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace and your memories be for a blessing. 😮😢

blackthundermartinez
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The ultimate example of a true shipmate. What a hero.

jriley
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As someone said, "What was in it for him?" A true hero.

sushibar
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God bless him for his service and sacrifice for his men!

alonzowinston
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He reserves ass much love and respect as a veteran of today and even more respect than a 5 star admiral.RIP.

JustinKeskey
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Wow
Just heroic service
Thank you sir for your heroic service and sacrifice for our country. RIP. Truly the greatest generation 🇺🇸

nyca
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He may be gone but never forgotten.
RIP. Godspeed in your change of station.
Semper Fi Brother!.

gruntusmc
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Thank you, dear Hero. Rest in peace.

JudyDevlin-hh
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Talk about tradition, his sailor hat was "squared away". We still do that now.

lordtimothymichel
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Thank you for your service and your sacrifice by your rest in peace, sir

carymorgan
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What a brave boy. A wondrous act that saved 300of your shipmates. Thank you and the family that raised you.

GordonKley-nzqm
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Bless all who gave up their life to save others during times of war and God bless all of you 🙏🙏🙏 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️🙏🙏❤️🙏🙏❤️💝💗🙏💝 Amen and thank you.

Paul-dwew
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Example of why they are our greatest generation

AnthonyRevello