Harold G. Epperson was born on 14 July 1923 in Akron, Ohio. In December 1942, he enlisted from that same state in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Following Basic Training, he reported to the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division and departed for combat duty in the Pacific, participating in the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943.
On 25 June 1944, Epperson served as a Machine Gunner in action against Japanese forces at the Battle of Saipan, Mariana Islands. During the furious battle, Epperson bravely remained at his post and aggressively defended his battalion's position. When an enemy soldier hurled a hand grenade into his emplacement, he selflessly threw himself upon it, sacrificing his life to save his comrades. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" on this occasion, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Harold G. Epperson is buried at Town Cemetery, Winchester, Kentucky.
