Richard Keith Sorenson, born in Anoka, Minnesota, on 26 August 1924, received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty as a Private in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, serving with an assault battalion attached to the 4th Marine Division during the battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 1-2 February 1944. During a violent enemy counterattack in the invasion operations, Sorenson and five other Marines in a shellhole were threatened by a Japanese grenade thrown among them. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade and absorbed the full force of the blast. He was severely wounded, but his action saved the lives of his comrades. His valor and self-sacrifice reflected the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. The memorial also honors those who have served in the uniform of the United States Military Services, as a symbol of American servicemen's spirit and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to protect the country's freedoms and risk their lives for others.