"For his extraordinary bravery in the rescue of a drowning woman, Clemson undergraduate Jimmie Dyess received America's top civilian award for heroism, the Carnegie Medal. Sixteen years later, Marine Lieutenant Colonel Dyess led his battalion into combat. He went behind enemy lines to save four wounded Marines. The next day, Dyess was shot and killed. For his exemplary valor and leadership in combat, he received the Medal of Honor. May Jimmie Dyess's life of service and self-sacrifice be an inspiration to all."--Back cover.

The early years : 1909-1927 -- Clemson, 1927-1931 -- Earning the Carnegie Medal : 1928 -- The Depression years in Augusta : 1931-1940 -- The Marine Corps prior to World War II -- Two years of frustration -- The Marines of World War II -- The 1st Battalion, 24th Marines -- On to the marshalls -- War in the Pacific -- The battle for Roi Namur -- The aftermath -- The Medal of Honor in perspective -- Anatomy of courage -- Comparing the two awards for heroism -- Events saluting the heroism of Dyess.