Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 12 June 1923, Neafus, Ky. Accredited to: Kentucky.
Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, during a savage hostile counterattack on the night of 4 October 1944.
Stationed with another marine in an advanced position when a Japanese handgrenade
landed in his foxhole Pfc. Phelps instantly shouted a warning to his
comrade and rolled over on the deadly bomb, absorbing with his own body
the full, shattering Impact of the exploding charge.
Phelps, Wesley
