BORDELON, WILLIAM JAMES (1920-1943). William James Bordelon, Medal of Honor recipient, the son of M. J. Bordelon, was born in San Antonio, Texas, on December 25, 1920. He entered military service at San Antonio on December 10, 1941. On November 20, 1943, Staff Sgt. Bordelon was attached to the Second Marine Division in action against the Japanese on the atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. After landing under enemy fire that killed all but four men in his tractor, he remained in action even after he was hit. He provided cover fire for a group scaling a seawall and, disregarding his own injuries, went to the aid of two wounded men in the water. While attacking a Japanese machine-gun position by himself, he was killed. Sergeant Bordelon's personal valor was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation of the island. He is buried at Oahu, Hawaii.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Committee on Veterans' Affairs, United States Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients, 1863-1973 (Washington: GPO, 1973).