Theodore Erickson served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He would receive the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima. His award citation reads: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Theodore O. Erickson (MCSN: 937639), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of Company A, Eleventh Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Fifth Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on the night of 15 March 1945. While in a defensive position as part of a front line unit, Private First Class Erickson unhesitatingly stepped on an enemy grenade which was thrown into his