Bordelon Family History & Genealogy

World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was issued the award posthumously for his actions as a staff sergeant with the Assault Engineer Platoon, 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, on November 20, 1943, at Battle of Tarawa, Gilbert Islands. He graduated from high school in 1938 and following the US entry into World War II on December 7, 1941, he joined the US Marine Corps. Following his recruit training, he joined the 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, in San Diego, California. He rose in rank and by the time he was sent to the Pacific Theater of Operations, he was a staff sergeant. At the Battle of Tarawa on November 20, 1943, he single-handedly destroyed four enemy pillboxes before he was killed at the age of 22. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. Originally buried in the Lone Palm Cemetery on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, he was moved to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Honolulu, Hawaii, then, at the request of his family, was relocated to the Fort Houston National Cemetery at San Antonio, Texas. In 1945, the Navy destroyer USS Bordelon (DD-881) was named in his honor and in April 1994, the Navy named San Antonio's Navy-Marine Corps Reserve Center after him. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as a member of an Assault Engineer Platoon of the First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, tactically attached to the Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against the Japanese-held Atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands on November 20, 1943. Landing in the assault waves under withering enemy fire which killed all but four of the men in his tractor, Staff Sergeant Bordelon hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put two pill boxes out of action. Hit by enemy machine-gun fire just as a charge exploded in his hand while assaulting a third position, he courageously remained in action and, although out of demolition, provided himself with a rifle and furnished fire coverage for a group of men scaling the seawall. Disregarding his own serious condition, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of one of his demolition men, wounded and calling for help in the water, rescuing this man and another who had been hit by enemy fire while attempting to make the rescue. Still refusing first aid for himself, he again made up demolition charges and single-handedly assaulted a fourth Japanese Machine-gun position but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the enemy. Staff Sergeant Bordelon's great personal valor during a critical phase of securing the limited beachhead was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation of the island and his heroic determination reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Agnes A Bordelon of TX was born on September 30, 1942, and died at age 70 years old on May 12, 2013 at The Villages, FL, USA in The Villages, Marion County, Florida United States.

Diana Pastora Bordelon of New Orleans, Orleans Parish County, Louisiana United States was born on June 4, 1947, and died at age 36 years old on February 2, 1984.

Michael Francis Bordelon of San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas was born on May 8, 1918, and died at age 92 years old on December 25, 2010.

Michael L Bordelon of Opelousas, Saint Landry County, Texas was born on November 20, 1954, and died at age 53 years old on June 22, 2008.

Ellen A Bordelon of Montgomery, Montgomery County, TX was born on August 12, 1949, and died at age 52 years old on February 2, 2002.

Dorothy L Bordelon of McAllen, Hidalgo County, TX was born on September 7, 1931, and died at age 61 years old on November 17, 1992. Dorothy Bordelon was buried at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery Section 13 Site 500 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, in San Antonio.

Pierre S Bordelon of Metairie, Jefferson County, LA was born on November 20, 1922, and died at age 75 years old on July 23, 1998.

Jules Bordelon of Chalmette, Saint Bernard County, LA was born on March 29, 1910, and died at age 86 years old on December 26, 1996.

Amos Bordelon of Eunice, Saint Landry County, LA was born on November 15, 1916, and died at age 72 years old on August 18, 1989.

Joseph H Bordelon of Jackson, East Feliciana County, LA was born on June 9, 1911, and died at age 82 years old on May 30, 1994.

Ernest J Bordelon of Metairie, Jefferson County, LA was born on May 25, 1929, and died at age 75 years old on January 30, 2005.

Anthony A Bordelon of Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge County, LA was born on February 4, 1928, and died at age 74 years old on December 18, 2002.

Robert J Bordelon of Kenner, Jefferson County, Louisiana was born on July 5, 1921, and died at age 58 years old in March 1980.

Louis F Bordelon of New Orleans, Jefferson County, Louisiana was born on April 15, 1899, and died at age 83 years old in November 1982.

John D Bordelon of Simmesport, Avoyelles County, Louisiana was born on August 8, 1920, and died at age 61 years old in July 1982.

John H Bordelon of Plaucheville, Avoyelles County, LA was born on September 28, 1927, and died at age 67 years old on March 14, 1995.

John E Bordelon of Pineville, Rapides County, LA was born on July 13, 1916, and died at age 78 years old on August 14, 1994.

Cecil J Bordelon of Houma, Terrebonne County, LA was born on October 3, 1924, and died at age 83 years old on July 12, 2008.