"Resisting the invading Japanese on Wake Island, Marine Aviator Captain Henry T. Elrod was mortally wounded on 23 December 1941. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for this action and for his aviation success earlier in the month. Elrod was also posthumously promoted to Major. Picture was taken when he was a 2nd Lt. NHHC Photograph Collection, NH 95807.
USS Elrod (FFG-55), (1985-____), is named after Major Henry T. Elrod.
In 1942, Elrod was posthumously promoted to Major.
Medal of Honor citation of Captain Henry Talmage Elrod, USMC (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 179):
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN, during action against enemy Japanese land, surface and aerial units at Wake Island, 8 to 23 December 1941. Engaging vastly superior forces of enemy bombers and warships on 9 and 12 December, Captain Elrod shot down 2 of a flight of 22 hostile planes and, executing repeated bombing and strafing runs at extremely low altitude and close range, succeeded in inflicting deadly damage upon a large Japanese vessel, thereby sinking the first major warship to be destroyed by small-caliber bombs delivered from a fighter-type aircraft. When his plane was disabled by hostile fire and no other ships were operative, Captain Elrod assumed command of one flank of the line set up in defiance of the enemy landing and, conducting a brilliant defense, enabled his men to hold their positions and repulse intense hostile fusillades to provide covering fire for unarmed ammunition carriers. Capturing an automatic weapon during one enemy rush in force, he gave his own firearm to one of his men and fought on vigorously against the Japanese. Responsible in a large measure for the strength of his sector's gallant resistance, on 23 December, Captain Elrod led his men with bold aggressiveness until he fell, mortally wounded. His superb skill as a pilot, daring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty distinguished him among the defenders of Wake Island, and his valiant conduct reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
