Quincy, Massachusetts native William Robert Caddy left high school after his second year and was working as an assistant on a milk truck when he was drafted in October 1943. Caddy was assigned to the 5th Marine Division for the landing on Iwo Jima. As a rifleman, Caddy landed on February 19, 1945, against fierce opposition. By March 3, Caddy was still in the fight in an isolated sector of the island. Along with his platoon leader and another Marine, Caddy was pinned down in a shell hole by a Japanese sniper. After attempting to move forward, Caddy and his platoon leader became engaged in a grenade battle with Japanese soldiers, holding their own until a grenade landed in their hole. Without hesitation, Caddy threw himself upon the grenade. Private First Class William Caddy was 19 years old.
Private First Class William R. Caddy's Medal of Honor
In the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history, 27 Marines and sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor for action on Iwo Jima. No other campaign surpassed that number.

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Kali Martin earned a bachelor's degree in International Studies and German at the University of Miami and a master's degree in Mili...
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