1943: SSgt Norman T. Hatch

Marine photographers, led by senior cinematographer Staff Sergeant Norman T. Hatch, captured images of the first successful amphibious assault against a heavily fortified beach during the Battle of Tarawa, in Japan. 
 
Along with two other photographers, SSgt Hatch used his 35mm black-and-white camera to record the action. His work was some of the greatest combat footage ever shot, and was sent to Los Angeles for editing. 
 
Soon after, the film With the Marines on Tarawa was released, and it won the 1944 Academy Award for Most Outstanding Documentary Short Subject. For his extraordinary work, Hatch was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal.