Robert Edward Simpson

Sergeant Robert Simpson served with Mike Company, the heavy weapons unit of the Third Battalion, 2nd Marines. He specialized in communications, ensuring connections between rifle units of the battalion and the 81mm mortars and water-cooled .30 caliber machine guns of  M/3/2.

On 20 November 1943, Simpson’s battalion was assigned the task of spearheading the assault on Betio’s Beach Red One – a curved stretch of sand running several hundred yards from the “bird’s beak” in the west to Red Two in the east. The natural shape of the beach created a crossfire for the defenders, and the area became known as “the Pocket.” Slow-moving landing craft were quickly targeted from multiple angles, and many were knocked out as they approached the shore. Hundreds of men were killed or wounded before stepping foot on dry land. Those who survived faced a network of obstacles manned by determined Japanese defenders, and the fighting was close-in and savage.

“Bud” Simpson survived the initial trip to shore, and was advancing inland with his platoon when he realized that some vital communications equipment had been left behind on the beach. Braving the fire of three Japanese machine guns, he managed to collect the needed gear and delivered it to safety. Next, Simpson spotted a wounded officer and attempted a rescue – but this time, the Japanese aim was true. The sergeant fell dead with a bullet through his head. For his exceptional valor, Bud Simpson received a posthumous Navy Cross.