Pvt. Jack Rudolph Stambaugh, Usmc

Jack entered the world in Wichita Falls, Texas, on 27 June 1923. His birth name is not known; at a young age, Jack was adopted by James Madison and Stella (Hankins) Stambaugh and went to live in nearby Archer County. He grew up with three half-sisters – Opal Clyde, Nettie Jim, and Mary Lou – and attended school in Bowie after the family relocated in the early 1930s.

Two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jack appeared at the temporary recruiting station in Wichita Falls and informed Sergeant W. C. Hanke that he wanted to become a Marine. At nearly six feet tall and 185 pounds, young Stambaugh was an ideal physical specimen, and soon he was en route to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Boot training passed easily enough, and Private Stambaugh was assigned to Company D, First Battalion, 9th Marines.

The President of the United States takes Pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

PRIVATE JACK RUDOLPH STAMBAUGH,

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS,

For Service as Set forth in the following

Period: Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank: Private

Unit: Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Jack R. Stambaugh (330350), Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. Observing four Japanese soldiers attacking a wounded Marine in an isolated position during the height of a fierce enemy night counterattack, Private Stambaugh unhesitatingly risked his life to race to the aid of his helpless comrade and, closing in for a brief, savage encounter, killed all four of the enemy with his rifle and bayonet before succumbing to a neck wound inflicted by a saber-wielding Japanese officer. By his intrepid spirit, courageous action in the face of heavy odds and unselfish devotion to duty, Private Stambaugh served as an inspiration to his fellow Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

He is survived by his great niece, Laurel Harrison of Benbrook, TX and other family members.

On Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 3 pm Graveside Services with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. Interment to follow. 

Thibadeau Mortuary Service, Gaithersburg, MD info@interfaithfunerals.com is assisting with funeral arrangements.