Mark Chapman Yoakum

Private 1st Class, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 52145 (March 14, 1946)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Mark Chapman Yoakum (MCSN: 821093), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman in a platoon of Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa in the Ryukyu Chain on 22 May 1945.
When a bursting artillery shell hit near by and blew two Marines from their foxholes onto the open ground, Private First Class Yoakum heard the cries of the wounded men above the terrific noise created by the furious shelling and, unhesitatingly leaving the comparative safety of his own foxhole, braved a deadly rain of bullets in a valiant effort to rescue his companions.
Grasping one of the men in his arms, he carried him to a defiladed area where a corpsman could administer first aid and, without a moment's rest returned through the shattering barrage to bring back the other.
Dazed and mortally wounded by a second shellburst, he struggled to his feet with his burden and, struggling desperately succeeded in returning his companion to safety before he himself collapsed.
By his courageous initiative, outstanding fortitude and concern for the safety of others in the face of grave personal danger, Private First Class Yoakum contributed to the saving of two men who otherwise might have perished, and his heroic conduct and selfless efforts throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.