to the V.A. He remained with the V.A. until his retirement as director of Veterans Affairs for the state of Nevada and nine counties of California in 1985. As a civilian, Sorenson was active in his community, serving on the United Way's board of directors, the regional Boy Scout Council, and the board of directors for the Navy League. Sorenson died at age 80 in Reno, Nevada. He was survived by his wife and five children. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota. Honors In addition to the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart he received for the wounds he suffered at Kwajalein, Sorenson holds the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one bronze star; the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with one bronze star; the American Campaign Medal; the World War II Victory Medal; and the National Defense Service Medal. Sorenson was the Guest of Honor at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the invasion of Kwajalein Atoll in 1994. Medal of Honor citation The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with an assault battalion attached to the Fourth Marine Division during the battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on February 1–2, 1944. Putting up a brave defense against a particularly violent counterattack by the enemy during invasion operations, Private Sorenson and five other Marines occupying a shellhole were endangered by a Japanese grenade thrown into their midst. Unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Private Sorenson hurled himself upon the deadly weapon, heroically taking the full impact of the explosion. As a result of his gallant action, he was severely wounded, but the lives of his comrades were saved. His great personal valor and exceptional spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. /S/ FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT Memorial Sorenson is one of three Minnesota Medal of Honor recipients from the northeast Twin Cities who are named on the Anoka County Veteran's memorial at Bunker Hills Anoka County Park in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. The others are Richard E. Kraus and James D. La Belle. See also The