Evans had completed one year of high school, lived in Sanford and had work experience as a butcher and grocery clerk earning $15 per week when he first enlisted in the Medical Detachment, 124th Infantry Regiment 27 February 1934. He was inducted into federal service 25 November 1940. He was a Staff Sergeant at the time of his death. KILLED IN ACTION; 6 May 1945, Mindanao, Philippine Islands. (Evans received a posthumous Silver Star). Medical Detachment, 124th Infantry 31st Infantry Division MEDICAL DETACHMENT, 124TH INFANTRY MEDICAL DETACHMENT, 24TH INFthe medical personnel, though not wounded, had bullet REGIMENT holes il their.clothing. On 7 May 1945, the 3rd Baial- 31st Infanlily Division, General Orders Niumber 87 ion, 124thi Infantry Regiment, with the mission of seiz- 16 July 1945 ing an objective in rear of the enemy fortified position, The Medical Detachment, 124th Infantry Regi- thereby cutting his communication to the rear, ad- lient, is cited for outstanding perlbrmanie of duly in vanced around the flank of the 2nd Battalion in an en- action on Mindanao, Philippine Islands, during the circling movement. In executing this mission the 3rd period 6 May 1945 to 12 May 1945. On 6 May 1945, the Battalion crossed a flat open grassland between two 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, advanced north areas of heavy woods. As the rear of the battalion, along the Sayre Highway from Kibawe with the mission where the Battalion Medical Section was marching, of seizing the Maramag Air Strip and opening the high- crossed this open grassland, the enemy launched a fu- way to this point. Two miles south of their objective the rious banzai attack. In the light that ensued a number leading elements of the Battalion entered an exception- of casualties were incurred by our troops. Though the ally dense tropical rain forest. Here they encountered terrain was open and in lull view of the enemy, the per- heavy, accurate, controlled fire from an estimated bat- sonnel of the 3rd Battalion Medical Section treated the talion of the enemy occupying a long prepared, well wounded in spite of heavy machine gun, rifle, and inor- tamnoullaged, defensive position organized in depth, tar lire. For several hours the Medical Section, along The 1st latitalion launched a determined attack, as- with several rillemen, were cut olf from the Battalion. saulting the position several times but were unable to Nevertheless the medical personnel continued to search dislodge the enemy from his fortifications. Casualties for, treat, and collect the casualties. When contact was were heavy. After the successive assaults, a large num- reestablished the wounded were evacuated. The Medi- ber of the wounded remained in advance of our lines, cal Section then returned to make another reconnais- All personnel of the Battalion Medical Section, as well sance of the open area for other wounded, though they as personnel of the Regimental Medical Section volun- were still endangered by enemy fire. In so doing the taril' went forward to augment the strength of the cons- personnel of the Medical Section were the last to leave pany aid men. For three hours, under heavy enemy fire, this scene of conflict. This act not only saved the lives of the medical personnel found, treated, and evacuated several of the fifteen severely wounded men and ten to fifty casualties, many of which were 20 and 30 yards in .fifteen slightly wounded but was also responsible for front of our lines. In the performance of this duty three keeping several of the wounded front falling into the medical technicians were killed, the Assistant Battalion hands of a fanatical enemy. The Battalion Surgeon, al- Suirgeon and one aid mail severely wounded, and three though severely wounded in this action, would not per- aid men slightly wounded. On 7 May 1945, tile 2nd Bat- mit treatment of his wounds until the other casualties talion, 124th Infantry Regiment. reinlfrced the 1st Bat- had been cared for and removed to safety. Tivo medical talion with the mission of taking the fortified positions non-commissioned officers were killed, one by enemy and of clearing the woods of the enemy. The 2nd Bat- bayonet wounds while he was attempting to reach a ta.lin adva nced 200 yards through lthi underbrush wounded lUmal. The resistance of the enemny in and lien it encountered the same fierce resistance that had about the woods was so well camouflaged, dug in, or- faced the Ist Battalion the day before. The position was ganized and stubborn that the fighting of all three Bat- assaulted hut the advance was stopped. Again numer- talions continued for a period of six days before our ous casualties remained where they had fallen in front troops completely annihilated the enemy. During this of the elneny positionls. Ii order to care lor and remove period of lime ithe eniri Medical Detaclinhent conitin- all the wounded in as short a period as possible, the en- ued to go forward to treat and remove casualties from tire 2nd Battalion Medical Section came forward to as- areas in front of our lines or from areas commanded by sis tihle oiilpailny aid men. Thiroughouii tile day men of eiiniliy sniper lire. Tilt? (onspicuous gallantry and out- tih 2ind liatialion Medical Section made numerous trips standing perfrii)ance of duly from (i May 19-15 to 12 20 and i3ll yards in front o our lines in tile face of heavy May 1945 by all personnel of the Medical Detachment, enemy small arms and grenade fire to find, treat, and 124th Infantry Regiment, was an inspiration to the evacuate approximately 40 severely wounded men. In troops advancing along the Sayre Highway, reflected tile performance of this duty the Section Leader was great credit upon themselves and the Medical Depart- killed, two aid men were seriously wounded and three of ment. and upheld the highest traditions of tile Service..