Aquilla James “Jimmie” Dyess (1909-1944) was a USMC officer who was a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions taken on February 2 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion Twenty-Fourth Marines Reinforced Fourth Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Namur Island Kwajalein Atoll Marshall Islands February 1 and 2 1944. Undaunted by severe fire from automatic Japanese weapons Lieutenant Colonel Dyess launched a powerful final attack on the second day of the assault unhesitatingly posting himself between the opposing lines to point out objectives and avenues of approach and personally leading the advancing troops.
