From 14 -17 May 1945, Cpl James Day and a small group of Marines on Okinawa maintained a courageous stand on Sugar Loaf Hill, fighting off continual Japanese assaults. Scorched by white phosphorous, his body pierced by shrapnel, Day repelled 3 enemy attacks, braving bullets and mortar fire to carry 4 wounded comrades to safety. Only Day and another Marine made it through the first night. When finally relieved three days later, he was found unconscious, surrounded by the bodies of more than 100 enemy soldiers.