Sunday, November 18, 2018

Pfc. Nicholas J. Gojmerac’s remains identified


Pfc. Gojmerac was killed during the Battle of Bairoko, July 20, 1943.

“The Battle of Bairoko was a battle between American and Imperial Japanese Army and Navy forces on 20 July 1943 during the New Georgia Campaign in the Solomon Islands during the Pacific War. In the battle, U.S. Marine Raiders—supported by two U.S. Army infantry battalions—attacked a Japanese garrison guarding the port of Bairoko on the Dragons Peninsula on New Georgia. The day-long assault on well-prepared Japanese defensive positions by the Americans was unsuccessful. After calling-off the assault, the Americans withdrew to nearby Enogai. The American forces remained in the Enogai area until the end of the New Georgia Campaign. The Japanese used Bairoko to resupply and reinforce their troops who were guarding an airfield at Munda Point on New Georgia. After the U.S. and its allies successfully captured the airfield, the Japanese evacuated New Georgia and abandoned Bairoko on 24 August.
 
“Total American casualties were 49 killed, 200 wounded, and 10 missing, the vast majority of them suffered by the raider battalions. PFC Gojmerac is one of the missing.”


From the same site:

“Distinguished Service Cross
“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Nicholas J. Gojmerac (MCSN: 351802), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company Q, FOURTH Marine Raider Battalion, in the early part of the engagement at Bairoko Harbor, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 20 July 1943.  Hearing a wounded comrade in the front lines cry out for help, Private Gojmerac, with complete self-sacrifice, crawled out to him through extremely heavy rifle, machine-gun and mortar fire, administered first aid and dragged him to safety.  While removing the man, Private Gojmerac was seriously wounded.  The outstanding heroism and skill displayed by Private First Class Gojmerac on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.  He gallantly gave his life for his country.  General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 531 (December 26, 1943).  Action Date: July 20, 1943.”

Pfc. Gojmerac was assigned to Company Q, 4th Raider Battalion, 1st Marine Raider Regiment.
   



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