World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as tank commander with the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, during action against Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 8 July 1944. Advancing with his tank a few yards ahead of the infantry in support of a attack on hostile positions, he maintained steady fire from his sky mount machinegun until impeded by enemy trenches and pillboxes. Observing a target, he immediately ordered the tank stopped and prepared to open fire with the 75mm. cannon. Exposing himself from the open turret he ordered the infantry to hit the deck. As a grenade hurled by the Japanese was about to drop into the open turret hatch, he blocked the opening with his body holding the grenade against his chest and taking the brunt of the explosion. Thus saving his crew and the forward men at the cost of his own life. Other medals awarded in addition to the Medal of Honor included the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart with a Gold Star, the Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star, the American Defense Medal with Base Clasp, the China Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with two bronze stars, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Son of Esther Marburger and Frederick Timmerman.
Timmerman attended Emporia High School where he graduated in 1936. He was in the band for two years. After graduation he enrolled at Kansas State Teacher's College (now Emporia State University), but he only stayed for a year. In 1937 Timmerman moved to San Mateo, California, and in October 1937 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After serving in China for four years Timmerman was discharged and returned to California to work. Timmerman Elementary School in Emporia is named after him.
In January 1946 the Navy named one of its new destroyers after Sgt Timmerman. The USS Timmerman (DD-828) was christened by his mother.
Son of Esther Marburger and Frederick Timmerman.
Timmerman attended Emporia High School where he graduated in 1936. He was in the band for two years. After graduation he enrolled at Kansas State Teacher's College (now Emporia State University), but he only stayed for a year. In 1937 Timmerman moved to San Mateo, California, and in October 1937 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After serving in China for four years Timmerman was discharged and returned to California to work. Timmerman Elementary School in Emporia is named after him.
In January 1946 the Navy named one of its new destroyers after Sgt Timmerman. The USS Timmerman (DD-828) was christened by his mother.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as tank commander with the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, during action against Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 8 July 1944. Advancing with his tank a few yards ahead of the infantry in support of a attack on hostile positions, he maintained steady fire from his sky mount machinegun until impeded by enemy trenches and pillboxes. Observing a target, he immediately ordered the tank stopped and prepared to open fire with the 75mm. cannon. Exposing himself from the open turret he ordered the infantry to hit the deck. As a grenade hurled by the Japanese was about to drop into the open turret hatch, he blocked the opening with his body holding the grenade against his chest and taking the brunt of the explosion. Thus saving his crew and the forward men at the cost of his own life. Other medals awarded in addition to the Medal of Honor included the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart with a Gold Star, the Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star, the American Defense Medal with Base Clasp, the China Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with two bronze stars, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Son of Esther Marburger and Frederick Timmerman.
Timmerman attended Emporia High School where he graduated in 1936. He was in the band for two years. After graduation he enrolled at Kansas State Teacher's College (now Emporia State University), but he only stayed for a year. In 1937 Timmerman moved to San Mateo, California, and in October 1937 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After serving in China for four years Timmerman was discharged and returned to California to work. Timmerman Elementary School in Emporia is named after him.
In January 1946 the Navy named one of its new destroyers after Sgt Timmerman. The USS Timmerman (DD-828) was christened by his mother.
Son of Esther Marburger and Frederick Timmerman.
Timmerman attended Emporia High School where he graduated in 1936. He was in the band for two years. After graduation he enrolled at Kansas State Teacher's College (now Emporia State University), but he only stayed for a year. In 1937 Timmerman moved to San Mateo, California, and in October 1937 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After serving in China for four years Timmerman was discharged and returned to California to work. Timmerman Elementary School in Emporia is named after him.
In January 1946 the Navy named one of its new destroyers after Sgt Timmerman. The USS Timmerman (DD-828) was christened by his mother.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
SGT, 2 TANK BN, 6 MARINES, 2 MARINE DIV WORLD WAR II
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Kansas.
Family Members
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