Elton L. Hatler, United States Marine Corps Reserve: For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Browning Automatic Rifleman of Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, in action against Japenese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 2 May 1945. Although himself wounded when his platoon had been forced to withdraw in the face of heavy enemy fire, Private Hatler steadfastly refused to leave the side of a Marine whose legs had been blown off below his knees. Fully aware of the danger and voluntarily risking his life, he held off the enemy for three grueling hours, attempting to drag his fallen comrade to the safety of our lines, abandoning his position only after the man succumbed to his wounds and he himself had expended his ammunition. His personal valor and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Hatler joined the Legion of Valor in 2004. He is a LIFE MEMBER and resides in Kentucky.