Bernhard LeCaptain

Bernhard LeCaptain was a Petty Officer Second Class in the United States Navy during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Guam (1944).

His award citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Bernhard LeCaptain, United States Naval (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to the Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during the battle for Fonte Hill, Guam, on 25 July 1944. Pharmacist's Mate Second Class LeCaptain repeatedly risked his life to minister to men wounded in battle. He unhesitatingly ran through heavy machinegun fire 75 yards to a wounded Marine and then carefully used the scant cover of a small parapet to protect the Marine. He himself remained exposed, while administering first aid. Continuing his daring and gallant service, he dragged another casualty to a nearby raving to provide comparative safety during medical treatment. A few minutes later he braved the intense barrage to rescue another wounded man who lay in the fire land. Although severely wounded by rifle fire while caring for his patient, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class LeCaptain continued his task. He attempted to rise from his kneeling position only to collapse from extreme loss of blood and succumb before assistance could reach him. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class LeCaptain undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

LeCaptain was born on September 29, 1923 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. His home of record was Glen Flora, Wisconsin.