Cornerstones of Courage: The Story of SSgt. William J. Bordelon USMC
Amid the chaos of D-Day at Tarawa, Staff Sergeant William Bordelon single-handedly attacked a cluster of Japanese-gun emplacements defending Red Beach Two. In fifteen frenzied minutes the 22-year-old Texan destroyed three bunkers, then died attacking a fourth. His sacrifice abated the enemy fire just enough to provide a safe passage for several hundred reinforcements to land, and a turning point in the battle.
Bordelon’s family received his posthumous Medal of Honor, but few today know how he died or why it took fifty years to bring his body home to San Antonio. Doug Pricer is the first historian to put a human face on this remarkable man. His throughly researched and empathetic narrative brings Bill Bordelon to life and portrays his family’s shock at his death and their enduring efforts to memorialize his legacy. Pricer writes with special insight. His father served at Tarawa near the maelstrom where Bordelon died.
Joseph Alexander
Colonel, USMC (Ret.)
Author, Utmost Savagery: The Three Days of Tarawa
Amid the chaos of D-Day at Tarawa, Staff Sergeant William Bordelon single-handedly attacked a cluster of Japanese-gun emplacements defending Red Beach Two. In fifteen frenzied minutes the 22-year-old Texan destroyed three bunkers, then died attacking a fourth. His sacrifice abated the enemy fire just enough to provide a safe passage for several hundred reinforcements to land, and a turning point in the battle.
Bordelon’s family received his posthumous Medal of Honor, but few today know how he died or why it took fifty years to bring his body home to San Antonio. Doug Pricer is the first historian to put a human face on this remarkable man. His throughly researched and empathetic narrative brings Bill Bordelon to life and portrays his family’s shock at his death and their enduring efforts to memorialize his legacy. Pricer writes with special insight. His father served at Tarawa near the maelstrom where Bordelon died.
Joseph Alexander
Colonel, USMC (Ret.)
Author, Utmost Savagery: The Three Days of Tarawa
Amid the chaos of D-Day at Tarawa, Staff Sergeant William Bordelon single-handedly attacked a cluster of Japanese-gun emplacements defending Red Beach Two. In fifteen frenzied minutes the 22-year-old Texan destroyed three bunkers, then died attacking a fourth. His sacrifice abated the enemy fire just enough to provide a safe passage for several hundred reinforcements to land, and a turning point in the battle.
Bordelon’s family received his posthumous Medal of Honor, but few today know how he died or why it took fifty years to bring his body home to San Antonio. Doug Pricer is the first historian to put a human face on this remarkable man. His throughly researched and empathetic narrative brings Bill Bordelon to life and portrays his family’s shock at his death and their enduring efforts to memorialize his legacy. Pricer writes with special insight. His father served at Tarawa near the maelstrom where Bordelon died.
Joseph Alexander
Colonel, USMC (Ret.)
Author, Utmost Savagery: The Three Days of Tarawa
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