RICHARD K. SORENSON
First Lieutenant
United States Marine Corps Reserve

Richard K. Sorenson

CITATION

Private Richard K. Sorenson
United States Marine Corps Reserve

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with an assault battalion attached to the Fourth Marine Division during the battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on February 1-2, 1944. Putting up a brave defense against a particularly violent counterattack by the enemy during invasion operations, Private Sorenson and five other Marines occupying a shellhole were endangered by a Japanese grenade thrown into their midst. Unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Private Sorenson hurled himself upon the deadly weapon, heroically taking the full impact of the explosion. As a result of his gallant action, he was severely wounded, but the lives of his comrades were saved. His great personal valor and exceptional spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditons of the United States Naval Service.

Franklin D. Roosevelt
President of the United States

Footnote: Richard K. Sorenson was born 28 August 1924 in Anoka, Minnesota and joined the Marine Corps on 13 December 1942. Following basic training in 1943 he was assigned as a private to M-3-24, Fourth Marine Division. Upon separation from the Marine Corps 23 February 1946, he began working as a contact representative in the Veterans Administration. In September 1948 he entered St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota. His education was interrupted in November 1950, when he was recalled to active duty in the United States Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant.
In March 1953, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and, after completing Officer's Training, was assigned to the Seventh Engineer Battalion at Camp Pendleton. Upon promotion to First Lieutenant he was transferred the Third Battalion on Okinawa and was separated from the Corps in November 1955.
He returned to the Veterans Administration where he served in various positions that included Adjudicator, Rating Board Specialist, Assistant Division Chief and Regional Director. He retired in March 1985. In 1991, a statue was dedicated in his honor in his home town of Anoka. He and his wife, Milli, have five children and seven grandchildren . At the time of this article the Sorensons were living in the Reno, Nevada. Richard Sorenson is at present, the Regional Director of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's 6th District.

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