19 Facts About Harold Gonsalves

Harold Gonsalves was a United States Marine Corps private first class who was killed in action during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

Harold Gonsalves was awarded the nation's highest military award for valor, the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his heroic action on April 15,1945.

Harold Gonsalves's father's family may have immigrated to the United States from Portugal in 1888, and his mother, born Anna Cambra in territorial-era Hawaii, was descended from Portuguese immigrants.

Harold Gonsalves's father, John Gonsalves, was born in Massachusetts, had a fifth-grade education, and worked in a boiler factory, and as a teamster, driving trucks for a lumber company in Oakland.

Harold Gonsalves had one sister, Marie Harold Gonsalves, who was about five years younger.

At Alameda High School, Harold Gonsalves had taken part in football, basketball, baseball, track, and swimming.

Harold Gonsalves enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on May 27,1943, and was called to active duty on June 17,1943.

Harold Gonsalves went through recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, and then, at his own request, was sent to the Marine Raiders at Camp Pendleton, California.

Harold Gonsalves was classified as a cannoneer on 75 and 105-millimeter guns before joining the 30th Replacement Battalion in the fall of 1943.

Harold Gonsalves left the United States on November 8,1943, and at the end of that month was assigned to the 2nd Pack Howitzer Battalion, which was then in Hawaii.

Harold Gonsalves was promoted to private first class in March 1944 and with his battalion, became part of the 22nd Marine Regiment two months later.

Harold Gonsalves participated in the assault, capture, and occupation of Engebi and Parry Islands, in the Marshall Islands.

PFC Harold Gonsalves landed with the 15th Marines on Okinawa on April 1,1945.

Harold Gonsalves was at that time the acting Scout Sergeant of the team, with Battery L, Fourth Battalion, 15th Marines of the Sixth Division.

PFC Harold Gonsalves' remains were returned to the United States for reinterment after the war.

Harold Gonsalves was buried with full military honors in Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California, on March 20,1949.

Instantly Private First Class Harold Gonsalves dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and thereby protecting the others from serious and perhaps fatal wounds.

Stouthearted and indomitable, Private First Class Harold Gonsalves readily yielded his own chances of survival that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless battle against the fanatic Japanese and his cool decision, prompt action and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Harold Gonsalves gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.