Pfc. Harold Agerholm - WW2 Medal of Honor Story

For his heroic actions on July 7th 1944 in Saipan, Private First Class Harold Agerholm earned the Medal of Honor. His award citation reads as follows.
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 7 July 1944. When the enemy launched a fierce, determined counterattack against our positions and overran a neighboring artillery battalion, Pfc. Agerholm immediately volunteered to assist in the efforts to check the hostile attack and evacuate our wounded. Locating and appropriating an abandoned ambulance jeep, he repeatedly made extremely perilous trips under heavy rifle and mortar fire and single-handedly loaded and evacuated approximately 45 casualties, working tirelessly and with utter disregard for his own safety during a grueling period of more than three hours. Despite intense, persistent enemy fire, he ran out to aid two men whom he believed to be wounded marines, but was himself mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while carrying out his hazardous mission. Pfc. Agerholm's brillant initiative, great personal valor, and self-sacrificing efforts in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
Harold's mother received his posthumous Medal of Honor from the Commandant of the Ninth Naval District in a private ceremony, a request she had made for no public presentation. A US destroyer, a combined elementary/middle school in Racine, and a Gun Park near the 10th Marine Regiment headquarters in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were all named in honor of the 19 year old Harold. Originally buried in the 2nd Marine Division cemetery in Saipan, Harold Christ Agerholm is now buried in the Mound Cemetery in Racine, Wisconsin.

[@matlew1960]

At that moment before his death, he wasn't thinking about his country, he was thinking about how many of his brothers he could save before being shot himself. RIP Hero.

[@siebachnate]

As an Army Soldier, I'm so grateful we don't fight battles like this anymore! These were truly heroic and courageous young men. The best blood our country had to offer!

[@balancedactguy]

Rest in Peace Hero!

[@bonniejess5963]

i am so grateul for these heros and their stories that keep them alive in our in our hearts !

[@jebsails2837]

Saipan was a brutal battle, as I learned from my late father, a Navy Pharacist Mate also with the 2MarDiv. The Marianas Islands had been ceded to Japan as part of the Treaty of Versailles and reparations treaty. It was being fortified for 20+ years prior to the invasion. RIP. Narragansett Bay

[@jeffjames4064]

I salute you.

[@marinesgt8048]

SEMPER FI brother.

[@waynelenard3940]

ONE more reminder....FREEDOM isn't FREE....What a friend....TO AMERICA....❤

[@leonardodominguez3123]

Now I know why they are call the greatest generation.

[@jimcalifwin3760]

Saipan not cpan.

[@OurPatriotStories-1776]

Thanks for catching that!