Born: unknown
Died:
Campaigns Served: Namur, Saipan (wounded), Iwo Jima (wounded)
Highest Rank Attained: Sergeant
Decorations: Purple Heart with Gold Star
Daniel Brandon was an original member of Baker Company, 24th Marines. Evidently a very capable leader, he was assigned to head a fire team when still a Private First Class. He shipped out to Kwajalein in command of three other Marines - one with a BAR, one assistant BARman, and a rifleman.
Brandon performed well in his first test of combat, and was rewarded with a promotion to corporal in the spring of 1944. Again, he led a fire team into the fight on Saipan, but was wounded and evacuated on June 16, 1944.
After a spell in a naval hospital, Daniel Brandon returned to Baker Company as a sergeant. He was placed in command of a full squad for the next campaign.
The nature of the fighting on Iwo Jima ensured that many NCOs were killed or wounded soon after landing. Sergeant Brandon lasted through six days of combat on Iwo - he was wounded and evacuated on February 25, and did not return to the battalion.