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World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Marine Lieutenant Colonel Aquilla James Dyess
LIEUTENANT COLONEL
AQUILLA J. DYESS, USMC
(DECEASED)
World War II 1941-1945
Medal of Honor Recipient
Marine Lieutenant Colonel Aquilla James Dyess, of Augusta, Georgia, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life" at the head of his troops on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 2 February 1944.
Dyess, whose widow and daughter lived in Augusta, was killed on that date by a burst of enemy machine gun fire while standing on the parapet of an antitank trench directing a group of infantry in a flanking attack against the last Japanese position in the northern part of the island.
In this final assault, Dyess posted himself between the opposing lines and, exposed to fire from heavy automatic weapons, led his troops in the advance. Wherever the attack was slowed by heavier enemy fire, he quickly appeared and placed himself at the head of his men and inspired them to push forward.
The citation accompanying the award states that "his daring and forceful leadership and his valiant fighting spirit in the face of terrific opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." The airfield at Roi, Namur Island, was named in his honor.
Dyess' widow is the former Connor Cleckley of Augusta. His daughter also is Connor Cleckley. Also surviving were his mother, Mrs. M. E. Dyess, and sister, Louise W. Dyess, both of Augusta.
Dyess was born on 11 January 1909 in Andersonville, Georgia, and was graduated from Clemson College, Clemson, South Carolina, in 1932 with a B. S. degree in architecture. At Clemson, he served as a cadet major in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and was appointed a second lieutenant in the Army Infantry reserve in 1931. He was appointed a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve in November, 1936.
In 1937, Dyess was awarded the Bronze Medal as a shooting member of the Marine Corps Rifle Team which won the Hilton trophy in the National matches, and was given the same award in 1938 as an alternate member of the team that captured the Rattlesnake trophy in the matches.
In civilian life, Dyess was a general contractor. He also served as assistant director of a summer camp for boys. As a youth, Dyess attained the rank of Eagle Scout, highest in the Scout movement.
Lieutenant Colonel Dyess was initially buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Roi-Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. Later, in 1948, he was reinterred in Westover Memorial Park Cemetery, Augusta, Georgia.
CITATION:
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 11 January 1909, Augusta, Ga. Appointed from: Georgia. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines (Rein), 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 and 2 February 1944. Undaunted by severe fire from automatic Japanese weapons, Lt. Col. Dyess launched a powerful final attack on the second day of the assault, unhesitatingly posting himself between the opposing lines to point out objectives and avenues of approach and personally leading the advancing troops. Alert, and determined to quicken the pace of the offensive against increased enemy fire, he was constantly at the head of advance units, inspiring his men to push forward until the Japanese had been driven back to a small center of resistance and victory assured. While standing on the parapet of an antitank trench directing a group of infantry in a flanking attack against the last enemy position, Lt. Col. Dyess was killed by a burst of enemy machinegun fire. His daring and forceful leadership and his valiant fighting spirit in the face of terrific opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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