The Deadly Dentist: They Laughed at His Medical Degree Until He Held an Island Alone Against 98 Soldiers

The Heroic Legacy of Captain Benjamin Salomon: A Dentist Turned Warrior

Introduction

On July 7, 1944, in the midst of the brutal Pacific Theater of World War II, Captain Benjamin L. Salomon found himself in an unimaginable situation. Armed with a 30 caliber machine gun, he faced a massive wave of Japanese soldiers charging toward his position on Saipan. Just hours earlier, he had been a dentist, a man known for his gentle touch and dedication to his patients. Now, he was fighting for his life and the lives of his comrades. This article recounts the extraordinary story of Captain Salomon, a soldier whose courage and determination would earn him a posthumous Medal of Honor and a place in history as one of the war’s unsung heroes.

The Calm Before the Storm

Before the war, Benjamin Salomon was a successful dentist in Beverly Hills, California. Born on September 1, 1914, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Jewish immigrant parents, he had always been driven to succeed. After overcoming significant barriers to gain admission to dental school, he established a thriving practice, treating aspiring actors and actresses who sought his services. However, as the world descended into chaos, Salomon felt a calling to serve his country.

When the draft notice arrived in 1940, he enlisted in the Army, determined to contribute to the war effort. Despite his exceptional marksmanship and physical prowess, the military decided that his skills were too valuable to waste in combat. Instead, he was assigned to the dental corps, where he filled cavities while his friends fought overseas. For two years, Salomon watched from the sidelines, longing to join the fight.

The Call to Action

In 1944, the situation in the Pacific had become dire. The Japanese forces were entrenched on the island of Saipan, and American troops needed every available soldier to reclaim the territory. When the regimental surgeon was wounded, Salomon seized the opportunity to volunteer for duty at the front lines, finally realizing his desire to fight. He set up an aid station close to the front, where he quickly found himself overwhelmed with casualties as the battle raged on.

The night of July 6th was tense, with Japanese troops preparing for a massive assault. Salomon worked tirelessly, treating wounded soldiers and providing comfort amidst the chaos. He had no idea that the following day would test his resolve and bravery like never before.

The Banzai Charge

At approximately 4:45 a.m. on July 7th, the Japanese launched a massive banzai charge, a desperate tactic intended to overwhelm American defenses. Thousands of Japanese soldiers surged from the jungle, screaming their battle cries as they charged toward the American positions. Major Edward McCarthy, commanding the second battalion, later described the scene as reminiscent of a cattle stampede, with the Japanese forces pouring over the American lines.

As the fighting intensified, Salomon heard the sounds of battle grow closer. Wounded men flooded into his aid station, and chaos erupted as the Japanese soldiers breached the perimeter. In a moment of instinct and courage, Salomon made a decision that would define his legacy. He ordered the wounded to evacuate, knowing that he could not abandon his post. Instead, he would stay behind and hold off the enemy.

The Final Stand

Salomon grabbed a 30 caliber M1917 Browning machine gun from a nearby position, setting it up to defend against the oncoming wave of attackers. He began firing, cutting down Japanese soldiers as they charged toward him. The machine gun was a devastating weapon in skilled hands, and Salomon’s training and experience shone through as he unleashed a torrent of fire upon the enemy.

Despite being wounded multiple times, Salomon continued to fight. He moved the gun four times as bodies piled up in front of him, blocking his view of the enemy. Each time he repositioned, he opened fire again, determined to protect his fellow soldiers. His bravery and determination were unwavering, even as the battle raged around him.

A Hero’s Sacrifice

As the hours passed, Salomon’s strength began to wane. He was shot and stabbed, yet he refused to back down. Witnesses later recounted the sheer number of enemy soldiers he had killed—98 confirmed kills, a staggering feat for any soldier. But ultimately, his injuries became too severe. He continued to fight until he could no longer hold the weapon, sacrificing his life to save those around him.

The battle lasted for hours, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. The Americans suffered nearly 1,000 casualties, while the Japanese lost over 4,300 men in the assault. Salomon’s actions had turned the tide, allowing many of his fellow soldiers to escape and regroup.

Posthumous Recognition

In the aftermath of the battle, Salomon was found slumped over his machine gun, surrounded by the bodies of enemy soldiers. His heroism was undeniable, and Major General George Griner, the division commander, recommended him for the Medal of Honor. However, the recommendation was denied due to a technicality: Salomon had been wearing a Red Cross brassard, identifying him as a medical officer. The military bureaucracy failed to recognize the extraordinary circumstances of his actions.

For decades, Salomon’s bravery went unrecognized. It wasn’t until 2002, nearly 60 years after his death, that his actions were finally acknowledged. Following a renewed investigation into his service and the circumstances of his death, Captain Benjamin L. Salomon was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

Legacy

Captain Benjamin Salomon’s story is a powerful testament to the spirit of bravery and selflessness that characterized many service members during World War II. His journey from a Beverly Hills dentist to a decorated war hero exemplifies the idea that true courage knows no bounds. He fought not only for his country but for the lives of his fellow soldiers, proving that the heart of a warrior can reside in anyone, regardless of their background.

Today, Salomon’s legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of bravery, sacrifice, and service. His story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments of war, individual acts of courage can change the course of history. Captain Benjamin L. Salomon, a dentist who became a warrior, will always be remembered for his unwavering determination to protect those in need, even at the cost of his own life.