Name/Title
Newspaper clippings about Pfc. Harold Gonsalves, c. 1945-1946Entry/Object ID
2017.5.1Description
Acc. No. 17.5.1 A through I, J
Subject Category: World War II, Citizens of Alameda
Date or Period: circa 1945-1946
Object: Newspaper clippings
Description: A series of newspaper clippings, some which are illustrated and several from the Alameda Times-Star. Various sizes.
J: clipping from Alameda High School Yearbook.
History: Newspaper clippings concerning Pfc. Harold Gonsalves, USMC, who was killed during the Battle of Okinawa on April 15, 1945; he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Acquired from: Stephanie Choury (niece),
Date: 01/28/2017Interpretative Labels
Label
3/13/2021 MvL: current sign:
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HAROLD GONSALVES
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS USMC RESERVE
ALAMEDA'S WORLD WAR 2 HERO
who was posthumously awarded our nation's highest military award for valor, the
MEDAL OF HONOR
Excerpts from his Medal of Honor Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry... at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty...during action against...Japanese forces in Okinawa... 15 April 1945. (He) braved the...hostile bombardment to aid his Forward Observation Team in directing...artillery fire...and unhesitatingly advanced uphill...despite...enemy mortar and rifle fire. As they reached the front a Japanese grenade fell within the group. Instantly (Pfc) Gonsalves dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and thereby protecting the others....(Pfc) Gonsalves readily yielded his own chances of survival that his fellow Marines might carry on the...battle."
++++++++++++++++++
Harold Gonsalves was born in Alameda on January 28, 1926. He attended Alameda schools. He died on April 15, 1945 on Okinawa Island, Japan, at aged 19. During WW 2 only 471 such medals were awarded, 273 of which were posthumous.
