Navy Cross Awards to members of the U.S. Marines in World War II

To All Who Shall See These Presents Greeting:

This is to Certify that
The President of the United States of America
Takes Pleasure in Presenting

THE NAVY CROSS
to

NAGAZYNA, JOHN JAMES
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to John James Nagazyna (133456), Sergeant Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a member of Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Eniwetok Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 20 February 1944. In response to an order from the Battalion Commander, Sergeant Major Nagazyna organized the operating personnel of the Command Post to assist in repelling a sudden and dangerous enemy attack and, in the face of blazing machine guns, courageously helped to direct the counterattack until he fell, seriously wounded by hostile machine-gun fire. By his indomitable courage and inspiring leadership, Sergeant Major Nagazyna contributed materially to the disruption of the Japanese forces and to their eventual annihilation. His gallant fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 02476
Born: at Cohoes, New York
Home Town: San Diego, California
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI), Navy Cross (WWI)
*NARR, JOSEPH LAWSON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Joseph Lawson Narr (0-10336), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during a period of intense enemy activity from 13 October 1942 to 30 October 1942. Pressing home his attacks against the enemy with skill and determination, Second Lieutenant Narr shot down seven Japanese aircraft during this period, thereby contributing to the security of our forces in that area. His cool courage, splendid airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit were an inspiration to all the members of his squadron and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Board Serial: 1676 (July 28, 1943)
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri

NARVESON, HORACE A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Horace A. Narveson (507713), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with an Antitank Rocket Team of Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 June 1944. During a night attack by enemy infantry and heavy tanks, Private First Class Narveson braved the intense fire to lead his team from its protected position to attack the tanks. Scoring hits on three tanks with four rocket shells, he contributed materially to the successful repulse of the enemy. His intrepid spirit, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Narveson and the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6685 (SofN Signed January 28, 1948)

NEEFUS, JAMES L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James L. Neefus (0-5391), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Commander of a division of fighting planes and Pilot of an aircraft in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, in action with the enemy during aerial combat in the vicinity of Midway Island on 10 March 1942. During the near approach of an enemy four-engined seaplane to the Island of Midway, Captain Neefus, with his command, was ordered to intercept and destroy the enemy plane. Despite difficult aerial combat conditions, because of heavy cloud formations of which the enemy plane took full advantage in his evasive tactics, Captain Neefus led his command of fighting planes into the action in a determined, aggressive and effective manner which resulted in the destruction of the enemy four-engined seaplane without loss to his own force. The action throughout was conducted in accordance with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on June 19, 1942
Born: November 5, 1911 at Rockaway Beach, New York
Home Town: Rockledge, Florida

NEIMAN, ROBERT MORTON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Morton Neiman (0-7411), Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company C, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. Leading his company in an attack against prepared enemy fortifications and gun positions on 19 June, Major Neiman evacuated his tank when it was immobilized by fire from a large caliber gun and led the attack from a second tank until it too was rendered inoperative by a land mine. Evacuating this vehicle under heavy machine-gun and mortar fire, he resumed command in a third tank and pressed the attack, penetrating the well-entrenched hostile positions, destroying several machine-gun and mortar emplacements and inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese. His inspiring leadership, courage, and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 12015 (SofN Signed November 14, 1947)
Born: at Mt. Vernon, New York
Home Town: Los Angeles, California

NELSON, EDWARD C., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Edward C. Nelson, Jr. (0-10017), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company C, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. When communications were disrupted between his company and the infantry unit his vehicles were assigned to support, First Lieutenant Nelson courageously abandoned his tank and, after installing the next senior officer as tank leader, made his way through intense enemy mortar, machine-gun and sniper fire to the infantry command post. After obtaining the plan of attack and scheme of maneuver, he gallantly returned to his waiting tanks and, using the outside telephone, relayed the needed information to his company in time for it to participate in the attack. Remaining on foot throughout the day, First Lieutenant Nelson made numerous trips from the command post to his front line tanks despite the continuing rain of hostile fire and skillfully coordinated his tanks' fire with the advance of the infantry, thereby contributing materially to the destruction of forty-six enemy installations and annihilation of over one hundred Japanese. First Lieutenant Nelson's superb leadership and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 79497
Born: at Highland Park, Pennsylvania
Home Town: San Diego, California

NELSON, HAROLD E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harold E. Nelson (0-9754), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Battery H, Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 7 July 1944. After definitely establishing the identity of approaching troops as Japanese, Captain Nelson instantly instructed his Executive Officer to place direct fire upon the enemy and ordered all Battery personnel to open fire with their individual weapons. When he was ordered to withdraw to the Fire Direction Center area, he remained in his Battery area until the last, directing the withdrawal of his men although exposed to heavy hostile machine-gun and rifle fire. Observing that his men were pinned down by enemy tanks, one of which was concealed behind a house and firing through it with great effect, he organized a group of twelve men and started around the house and, although severely wounded, remained on his feet, organized a defensive circle and continued to fire his carbine until he collapsed. His intrepid spirit, courageous leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 7394
Born: at Sedgwick, Colorado
Home Town: Golden, Colorado

NELSON, JAMES J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James J. Nelson (810731), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. When his company's sector was heavily attacked by enemy tanks during the early morning hours, Private First Class Nelson personally attacked one of the vehicles with antitank grenades, setting it on fire. As the crew attempted to escape from the burning tank, he disregarded the fire directed at him from another tank and succeeded in annihilating the entire crew. Quickly changing his position to bring fire to bear on the supporting Japanese infantry, he inflicted heavy casualties on the approaching hostile troops with his accurate rifle fire. By his cool courage, great personal valor and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to our success in this area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 8418
Born: at St. Louis, Missouri
Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri

NELSON, QUINTEN G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Quinten G. Nelson (387868), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company I, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 16 June 1944. When he was thrown from his gun by the blast of a Japanese hand grenade landing directly beneath his machine gun, Private First Class Nelson unhesitatingly crawled back to the weapon and resumed firing upon the enemy. Wounded in the chest by hostile rifle fire a moment later, he resolutely held his position in spite of the intense Japanese machine-gun, rifle and mortar fire, and remained at his post until forcibly dragged away by his Company Medical Corpsman. By his courage, intrepid spirit and zealous devotion to duty, Private First Class Nelson contributed materially to the success of our forces and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6877
Born: at Inman, Minnesota
Home Town: Flint, Michigan

NERO, LOUIS C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Louis C. Nero (862870), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Senior Demolitions Non- Commissioned Officer of the Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. Landing early on D-Day, 19 February 1945, Sergeant Nero initiated the first clearing of mines on Beach Red One, working under hostile mortar fire. On 21 March, while leading a demolition squad in an assault with diesel oil on a cave known to be occupied by the Japanese, he and three members of his squad were seriously burned by an explosive blast of flaming diesel oil which belched out of the cave and completely enveloped the men when it was prematurely ignited by the enemy within. Sergeant Nero and two of his comrades had escaped when he, although seriously burned himself, suddenly realized that the fourth man was missing. Unhesitatingly, he ran back into the wall of flame to rescue the fourth man just s this man, blazing all over, emerged from the flame. Seizing the man, he forced him to the ground and, removing his own jacket with his severely burned hands, worked desperately to smother the flames. When his jacket was burned up in this process, he continued to smother the flame by using dirt. Constantly aiding and comforting the burned and dying man, he remained with him until an ambulance arrived, refusing to leave the scene until ordered to do so. Sergeant Nero's unfaltering courage, presence of mind and determination reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 45784
Born: at Frenchtown, New Jersey
Home Town: Franklin, New Jersey

NEVLE, GERARD B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gerard B. Nevle (335029), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a member of a Rifle Company of the Second Marines (Reinforced), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces off the coast of Tulagi, Solomon Islands, on the night of 9 September 1942. With his ship illuminated by the enemy and hostile gunfire causing violent explosion of shells inside the magazine directly beneath his battle station, Private First Class Nevle voluntarily remained on board despite devastating enemy shellfire, manned the practically demolished bridge and set the vessel on a beaching course. Later, he gain risked his life to administer first aid to his wounded shipmates, assisting in their evacuation to protected areas. His conspicuous gallantry and courage in a situation of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 057 (SofN Signed April 23, 1943)
Born: at Gulfport, Mississippi
Home Town: New Orleans, Louisiana

NEWMAN, JOSEPH E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Joseph E. Newman (284264), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of an Assault Unit of Company H, Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 22 February 1944. Exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, Private First Class Newman single-handedly wiped out an emplacement containing six Japanese which was holding up his entire section. Later, armed with a shotgun, he moved into a wide gap when assault companies lost contact in the undergrowth and successfully prevented a breakthrough. On another occasion, he braved heavy mortar fire to carry a wounded comrade to safety. By his outstanding heroism, initiative and devotion to duty, Private First Class Newman contributed materially to the success of the operation, thereby reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 11172 (SofN Signed January 28, 1948)
Born: at Attamahaw, North Carolina
Home Town: Miami, Florida

NICHOLAS, CLARENCE TERRELL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Clarence Terrell Nicholas (328878), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 to 29 September 1944. Discovering an active hostile pillbox to the rear of our lines at a time when his squad was separated from the remainder of its platoon during the initial landing, Corporal Nicholas effectively directed his unit against the enemy position until it was destroyed, thereby eliminating a threat to the successful landings of succeeding waves of our troops. On another occasion, when his guide was losing much blood from a serious wound and his squad was pinned down by hostile automatic weapons fire from the mouth of a cave dug into the side of a strategic hill, he courageously crawled through a curtain of intense Japanese fire to apply a tourniquet on his comrade, undoubtedly saving the man's life. Exposing himself to the continued barrage in order to remain at his comrade's side, he tirelessly directed his squad at the same time in firing point-blank into the cave's entrance and, by neutralizing it effectively until tanks and flame throwers could be brought to his assistance and destroy the hostile installation, contributed materially to his company's successful capture of this vital objective. His outstanding courage, gallant devotion to duty and grave concern for the welfare of another were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 00436
Born: at Johnson City, Illinois
Home Town: Carbon Hill, Alabama

NIEHAUS, RALPH H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ralph H. Niehaus (0-27011), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Maranias Islands, 26 July 1944. After strong hostile forces had enveloped his Regiment's right flank and had occupied a strategic position to the right rear of our lines, Second Lieutenant Niehaus boldly led his platoon in a determined night attack against this numerically superior Japanese force and, employing hand grenades and bayonets in a desperate Hand-to-hand struggle, directed his men in killing a large number of the enemy and in driving the majority of the hostile force from the position. Although all but four of his men had been wounded and he had been wounded twice, he persisted in the attack until ordered to withdraw to permit shelling of the area. Then, personally covering the withdrawal of his men and the evacuation of the wounded although he, himself, was wounded a third time, he returned under heavy fire to carry the last of the casualties to safety, continuing in his efforts until loss of blood necessitated his removal to an aid station. By his aggressive fighting spirit, daring initiative and courageous devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Niehaus prevented the Japanese from exploiting the envelopment of the Regiment's right flank, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 00435
Born: at Reading, Ohio
Home Town: Columbus, Ohio

*NISBET, WINFIELD R., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Winfield R. Nisbet, Jr. (294216), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Guam, Marianas Islands, on 22 July 1944. With his platoon temporarily halted by intense, withering enemy machine-gun and rifle fire, Corporal Nisbet valiantly risked his life to attempt the rescue of four wounded Marines exposed to hostile fire in advance of our lines. Braving the enemy's fierce barrage, he unhesitatingly crawled toward his comrades and assisted in bring one to safety then, determined to complete his dangerous task, again advanced across the open area to rescue the others, but, before reaching friendly lines during his second attempt, was struck down by hostile fire. By his outstanding leadership, his courageous initiative and great personal valor, Corporal Nisbet contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of his company's mission and to the eventual recapture of this vital Japanese stronghold. His valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 004316 (January 4, 1945)
Born: at Athena, Georgia
Home Town: Athena, Georgia

NORMAN, JOHN R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John R. Norman (0-14797), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Division Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-321), Marine Air Group THIRTY-ONE (MAG-31), FOURTH Marine Aircraft wing, during aerial combat against enemy Japanese air forces in the Rabaul Area, 23 January 1944. Leading a four-plane division on a fighter sweep over hostile territory, First Lieutenant Norman daringly intercepted an outnumbering force of Japanese fighter planes. Pressing home his attacks aggressively, he delivered concentrated fire on several groups, exploding two fighters in mid-air, sending a third crashing in flames and causing the wing of a fourth to disintegrate. His superb airmanship, his courage in the face of tremendous odds and his gallant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Norman and the United States Naval Service.
Commander, South Pacific: Serial 001118 (SofN Signed December 10, 1947)
Born: at New Orleans, Louisiana
Home Town: New Orleans, Louisiana

*NORRIS, BENJAMIN WHITE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Benjamin White Norris (0-4382), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Division Commander and a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading a determined attack against an enemy battleship, Major Norris, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition, contributed to the infliction of severe damage upon the vessel. During the evening of the same day, despite exhaustive fatigue and unfavorable flying conditions, he led eleven planes from his squadron in a search-attack mission against a Japanese aircraft carrier reported burning about two hundred miles off Midway Islands. Since he failed to return with his squadron and is reported as missing in action, there can be no doubt, under conditions attendant to the Battle of Midway, that he gave up his life in the service of his country. His cool courage and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
Born: at Callao, Peru
Home Town: New York, New York

NOSARZEWSKI, JOHN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Nosarzewski (439556), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Flame Thrower Operator of the Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Moving up along his company's right flank to attack a hostile 75-mm. cannon, Private First Class Nosarzewski advanced alone through heavy enemy machine-gun fire after the friendly automatic rifle, providing him with cover, had jammed. Courageously rushing the gun position, he destroyed the crew with his flame thrower and put the gun out of action. Then, turning on a near-by Japanese mortar and its crew, he annihilated every man, leaving the weapon unattended. Still undaunted in his heroic assault on this hostile pocket of resistance, Private First Class Nosarzewski spotted a pillbox from which he had been harassed by machine-gun fire and, fearlessly charging this emplacement, killed several of the gunners before his fuel ran out. With his flame thrower useless, he coolly drew his pistol and shot down two more of the enemy as they attempted to flee from the position. Private First Class Nosarzewski's indomitable fighting spirit was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 56883
Born: at Jamaica, New York
Home Town: Jamaica, New York

NOWAK, STEPHEN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Stephen Nowak (546452), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of the Marine Detachment on board the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands, 19 March 1945. Trapped below decks with a large number of other personnel when his ship was hit during a hostile air attack which caused a series of violent explosions, Private First Class Nowak coolly took control of the perilous situation and attempted to find an escape route through suffocating, smoke-filled compartments, proceeding without the aid of a breather apparatus. Finally locating a route after six unsuccessful attempts, he led the men to safety and, on the way out discovering a sailor lying on the deck overcome by smoke, carried him through smoke-filled spaces to safety. By his cool courage in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Nowak assisted greatly in saving he lives of many men who might otherwise have perished and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0987 (SofN Signed October 6, 1947)
Born: at Hardwick, Massachusetts
Home Town: Worcester, Massachusetts

*NUGENT, JOSEPH E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Joseph E. Nugent (326465), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of a Machine Gun Section serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 17 and 22 September 1944. When his platoon became separated from the remainder of the company during an enemy counterattack, Private First Class Nugent unhesitatingly volunteered to return to the company and obtain additional troops and, courageously making his way through hostile territory to the command post, led the reinforcements back to the platoon, thereby contributing to the reestablishment of contact with the company and the successful repulsion of the Japanese forces. With his section ordered to place immediate fire on the enemy to facilitate the withdrawal of a company on 22 September, he established his gun in the most exposed position in the vicinity, skillfully directing intense, accurate fire against the Japanese, and, although mortally wounded during this action, steadfastly remained at his post and continued firing until the withdrawal was completed and he was evacuated. By his splendid initiative and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril, Private First Class Nugent saved the lives of many of his comrades, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 0404 (February 1, 1945)
Born: at Bratnahl, Ohio
Home Town: Cleveland, Ohio

O'BANNON, WILCIE A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Wilcie A. O'Bannon (0-17955), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 26 February to 8 March 1945. Leading his company in an attack against strong enemy positions which had been checking the advance of three Marine Divisions near Motoyama Airfield Number Two, on 26 February, First Lieutenant O'Bannon braved intense artillery, mortar and small-arms fire to direct his men in gaining their objective and, repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fie in the days that followed, continued to lead and direct assault squads in the reduction of enemy pillboxes and strong points. In a pre-dawn attack on 7 March, against enemy positions east of the airfield when he and ten of his men were cut off from the rest of the company and surrounded by the enemy, he directed a defense against heavy mortar, small-arms and grenade fire and enabled his group to hold out for thirty-six hours. When tanks arrived to aid in the withdrawal on 8 March, he refused to leave the area until the last of his men had been carried to safety. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant O'Bannon and the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 67348
Born: at Red River County, Texas
Home Town: Turlock, California

*O'BRIEN, MARTIN J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Martin J. O'Brien (0-25174), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, 22 July 1944. Ordered to attack enemy positions at the crest of a steep, bare ridge in an effort to seize the high ground commanding the beachhead, Second Lieutenant O'Brien courageously led his platoon in a determined assault until the advance was halted halfway up the slope by withering hostile machine-gun fire. Skillfully withdrawing the remainder of the platoon to a place of cover, he promptly reorganized his units and, constantly exhorting his men to follow him, again led the charge up the slope in the face of terrific machine-gun, rifle, grenade and mortar fire, successfully reaching the crest of the ridge before he was mortally wounded. By his inspiring leadership and dauntless fighting spirit under extremely perilous conditions, Second Lieutenant O'Brien enabled his platoon to gain its objective, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 004262 (January 18, 1945)
Born: at Worcester, Massachusetts
Home Town: Worcester, Massachusetts

O'KEEFE, JEREMIAH JOSEPH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jeremiah Joseph O'Keefe (0-25432), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-323), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 22 April 1945. Fighting his plane aggressively in two engagements against a total of more than fifty Japanese suicide dive bombers, First Lieutenant O'Keefe pressed home a series of bold attacks in the face of hostile fire to destroy five of the enemy aircraft. By his resolute courage, skillful airmanship and devotion to duty, he aided materially in preventing the numerically superior force from reaching its objective, and his gallant conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon First Lieutenant O'Keefe and the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander, Amphibious Forces: Serial 00631
Born: at Jackson, Mississippi
Home Town: Biloxi, Mississippi

*OLBERT, RICHARD N.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Richard N. Olbert (349489), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a member of a volunteer boat crew in Company B, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. Fully aware of the hazards of an imminent enemy air attack, and with complete disregard for his own life, Private First Class Olbert, with four others, volunteered to take a boat to a point just outside a reef and shoot a line ashore to assist in evacuating those men remaining on the beach. Caught on the sea, he was defeated in his valiant efforts by the violent strafing of his boat by withering enemy machine-gun fire. His great personal valor and loyal spirit of self-sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 21, 1942
Born: at Hesperus, Colorado
Home Town: Durango, Colorado

*ORIBILETTI, BRUNO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Bruno Oribiletti (329513), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a member of a Rocket Launcher Team serving with Company B, First Battalion, First Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, 22 July 1944. Upon hearing enemy tanks rumbling down the road toward his company's position, Private First Class Oribiletti, with his rocket launcher loader, immediately knelt in the ditch alongside the road and, as the hostile infantry got off the tanks and laid down a withering protecting fire for the vehicles, calmly waited until the first tank was within fifteen yards of his position before he opened fire and stopped it. After directing another accurate round which struck the second tank and forced one of the occupants out, he was preparing to fire again when a hit by the tank's cannon killed him instantly. Private First Class Oribiletti's splendid initiative, inspiring valor and tenacious devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions contributed materially to the successful repulsion of the enemy attack and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 004071 (December 26, 1944)
Born: at Nenosha, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

ORME, GEORGE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George E. Orme (885512), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 16 May 1945. Although ordered to the Battalion Aid Station after receiving a severe bullet wound during an assault on a heavily- defended enemy position in the Naha-Shuri sector, Private First Class Orme steadfastly remained to assist his company due to the seriousness of the situation and, continuing the assault through intense hostile fire, personally accounted for nine of the Japanese. Then, despite his wound, he voluntarily exposed himself to the enemy fire to serve on stretcher details for the evacuation of the wounded. Carrying on until the following day, Private First Class Orme left the front line only after a hospital corpsman, on redressing his wound, discovered that the bullet had gone completely through his chest. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 98301
Born: at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Montclair, New Jersey

ORTIZ, PIERRE (PETER) J.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Pierre (Peter) J. Ortiz (0-12779), Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while attached to the United States Naval Command, Office of Strategic Services, London, England, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in enemy-occupied territory, from 8 January to 20 May 1944. Operating in civilian clothes and aware that he would be subject to execution in the event of his capture, Major Ortiz parachuted from an airplane with two other officers of an Inter-Allied mission to reorganize existing Maquis groups in the region of Rhone. By his tact, resourcefulness and leadership, he was largely instrumental in affecting the acceptance of the mission by local resistance leaders, and also in organizing parachute operations for the delivery of arms, ammunition and equipment for use by the Maquis in his region. Although his identity had become known to the Gestapo with the resultant increase in personal hazard, he voluntarily conducted to the Spanish border four Royal Air Force officers who had been shot down in his region, and later returned to resume his duties. Repeatedly leading successful raids during the period of this assignment, Major Ortiz inflicted heavy casualties on enemy forces greatly superior in number, with small losses to his own forces. By his heroic leadership and astuteness in planning and executing these hazardous forays, Major Ortiz served as an inspiration to his subordinates and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: August 5, 1913 at New York, New York
Home Town: LaJolla, California
Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (WWII)
ORTIZ, PIERRE (PETER) J.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Pierre (Peter) J. Ortiz (0-12779), Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Office of Strategic Services during operations behind enemy Axis lines in the Savoie Department of France, from 1 August 1944, to 27 April 1945. After parachuting into a region where his activities had made him an object of intensive search by the Gestapo, Major Ortiz valiantly continued his work in coordinating and leading resistance groups in that section. When he and his team were attacked and surrounded during a special mission designed to immobilize enemy reinforcements stationed in that area, he disregarded the possibility of escape and, in an effort to spare villagers severe reprisals by the Gestapo, surrendered to this sadistic Geheim Staats Polizei. Subsequently imprisoned and subjected to numerous interrogations, he divulged nothing, and the story of this intrepid Marine Major and his team became a brilliant legend in that section of France where acts of bravery were considered commonplace. By his outstanding loyalty and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, Major Ortiz contributed materially to the success of operations against a relentless enemy, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander, 12th Fleet: Serial 14928
Born: August 5, 1913 at New York, New York
Home Town: LaJolla, California
Other Award: Navy Cross (WWII)
*ORTIZ, ROBERT MANUEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Manuel Ortiz (830641), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as an Automatic Rifleman in a platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 1 March 1945. Despite lack of previous experience as a flame thrower, Private First Class Ortiz repeatedly volunteered his services when two flame thrower operators in his company became casualties. Joining whichever platoon was engaged in the assault, he voluntarily carried his weapon many times through murderous enemy machine-gun, sniper and rifle fire to positions fifty to one hundred yards in front of the liens, steadfastly refusing relief from this extremely hazardous and tiring duty until he had aided in the destruction of ten Japanese pillboxes. On 1 March, courageously attempting to extricate his company from a heavy barrage of fire from an enemy-fortified emplacement, after a demolition team had failed to get close enough to destroy this position, he crawled with his flame thrower to an exposed but advantageous firing point and, by diverting the hostile fire from the demolition team, enabled it to contact and destroy the hostile group. Mortally wounded during this action, Private First Class Ortiz, by his aggressiveness and indomitable fighting spirit, had accounted for at least fifty of the Japanese, contributing materially to the successful accomplishment of his company's mission. His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 52827 (January 31, 1946
Born: at Tucson, Arizona
Home Town: El Paso, Texas

OSBORN, STANLEY E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Stanley E. Osborn (0-24345), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Marianas Islands, 24 July 1944. With nineteen men left in his platoon following the company landing in the assault wave and its progress inland to the first objective, Second Lieutenant Osborn braved intense enemy fire and, moving from foxhole to foxhole, encouraged his men to repel a hostile counterattack which was directed at his platoon at close quarters. Although the enemy's tactics of hitting, re-forming and hitting again at the same spot wounded many of his men and placed his group in danger of being completely surrounded, he urged his platoon to remain in position until the attack was broken up at daybreak with heavy personnel losses to the Japanese. His inspiring leadership, courage under fire and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Osborn and the United States Naval Service.
Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 19648
Born: at Utica, New York
Home Town: Easton, Pennsylvania

*OSWALD, ROBERT J., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Robert J. Oswald, Jr. (304048), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, during the attack on the Japanese-held Cape Gloucester Airdrome, New Britain Island, on 26 December 1943. Serving as volunteer crew chief and gunner of an amphibious tractor assaulting an enemy pillbox impeding the advance of our troops, Sergeant Oswald, manning a machine gun mounted on the rail of the tractor, skillfully directed the hazardous advance of his crew into enemy lines until the machine became temporarily wedged between two trees in the dense jungle about fire yards from the hostile pillbox. Exposed to an immediate and withering counterattack by the enemy in this perilous position, Sergeant Oswald fought his gun valiantly and directed the fire of his crew, contributing materially to the annihilation of sixty Japanese. Mortally wounded by sniper fire during this action, Sergeant Oswald, by his exceptional courage, had made possible the advance of our troops against the enemy. His daring initiative and intrepid devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 0629 (SofN Signed July 21, 1944)
Born: at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

OWENS, ROBERT G., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert G. Owens, Jr. (0-6308), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-215), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago Areas, from 5 January 1944 to 15 February 1944. A brilliant leader and aggressive airman, Major Owens executed numerous combat missions against the enemy, frequently in the face of heavy hostile antiaircraft fire and strong aerial opposition. While carrying out these vital assignments during this period, he shot down seven enemy aircraft and probably destroyed five others. Maintaining his squadron at the peak of combat readiness through an efficient training schedule for pilots, he contributed materially to the outstanding success of his squadron in inflicting extensive losses upon the enemy and in providing effective fighter cover for our bombers. By his valiant leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Major Owens upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: at Greenville, South Carolina
Home Town: Greenville, South Carolina

PALMER, FRANK L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frank L. Palmer (538856), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Radio Operator of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 15 March 1945. Volunteering for duty as a Rifleman after his company suffered severe casualties, Private Palmer advanced with his platoon and suddenly came under heavy fire from the enemy concealed in spider traps and pillboxes. Quickly exhausting his supply of grenades in the ensuing fire-fight, he gathered other grenades from members of the platoon and, boldly charging the hostile positions annihilated our routed many of the Japanese. By his courageous initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, he enabled his platoon to continue the advance. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 44532
Born: at Aurora, Missouri
Home Town: Adair, Oklahoma

*PAREDES, OSBALDO RIVERA
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Osbaldo Rivera Paredes (337440), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Runner for the Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Landing on the beach with the assault battalion, Corporal Paredes defied intense enemy machinegun and mortar fire to proceed to various units to deliver urgent messages and obtain the location of other command posts. Although fatally wounded while returning from the front lines with a vital message, he continued on his way to the battalion command post in the face of relentless Japanese mortar fire and, by his gallant efforts, succeeded in delivering his message and thereby contributed materially to the subsequent neutralization of hostile mortar positions. By his courage and devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation, Corporal Paredes upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Board Serial: SPECIAL (May 2, 1947)
Born: at Miami, Arizona
Home Town: Los Angeles, California

PARKER, RAYMOND D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Raymond D. Parker (345201), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a member of Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during the action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands, on 21 August 1942. When a hostile force of about seven hundred men stormed the position of the Second Battalion, First Marines at the mouth of Tenaru River, Private Parker, throughout the 15-hour duration of the engagement, contributed materially to the aggressive fighting spirit of his comrades by his inspiring courage and uncompromising determination. Taking up a perilously exposed position on the bank of the river, he aided greatly in stalling the attack by preventing the Japanese from infiltrating along the reverse slope of the beach. On another occasion he advanced close and saved a comrade's life by killing an enemy soldier who was bayoneting him. Undiscouraged by the sudden disablement of his automatic rifle, he promptly discarded it, obtained another, and vigorously resumed fire with utter disregard for his own personal safety. His conspicuous initiative and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD (October 1942)
Born: at Chilowie, Virginia
Home Town: Cincinnati, Ohio

PARKER, WALTER G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Walter G. Parker (207642), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Runner in a Rifle Platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 18 May 1945. Occupying a shell crater with his platoon leader and another Marine during an enemy counterattack against his company's position, Corporal Parker immediately picked up a grenade thrown into his foxhole by the Japanese and threw it back before it could explode. Lacking sufficient time to throw out two other enemy grenades which landed among his group in rapid succession, he unhesitatingly hurled himself over the missiles despite his knowledge that his action meant almost certain death and, smothering the explosions with his body, saved his platoon leader and his other companion from destruction. His courageous determination, gallant fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 98300
Born: at Quincy, Massachusetts
Home Town: Quincy, Massachusetts

*PARKS, FLOYD BRUCE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Floyd Bruce Parks (0-5006), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Squadron Commander and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his squadron in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Major Parks aided in disruption the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Major Parks gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine leader and excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
Born: January 16, 1911 at Salisbury, Missouri
Home Town: Salisbury, Missouri

PARKS, VERRILL G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Verrill G. Parks (378060), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall islands, during World War II. While gallantly leading his men in the face of heavy enemy mortar and machine-gun fire, Corporal Parks, on 22 February 1944, suffered a severe wound which left his speechless. Refusing to be evacuated after receiving first aid, he acted on his own initiative to make his way over perilous terrain and, on locating the Landing Team Command Post and the Officer in Charge, wrote down in detail his knowledge of the existing tactical situation, despite his own pain and the constant danger from Japanese mortars. His courage, fortitude and unyielding devotion to duty throughout this hazardous, self-imposed mission reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Parks and the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 2798
Born: at East Chicago, Illinois
Home Town: Batavia, Ohio

PARROTT, ROBERT L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert L. Parrott (820311), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Fire Team Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. After completing a patrol mission around the base of Mount Suribachi in the southern end of the island, Corporal Parrot's company was ordered to comb the shore line for Japanese threatening the rear of the Battalion from by-passed caves. When heavy enemy machine-gun fire from the cliff halted the company's advance, he unhesitatingly acted on his own initiative to climb the cliff and guide the company beyond the hostile emplacement. With the advance gain halted and a four-man patrol forced to withdraw from attacking the machine-gun position, he charged the enemy position single-handedly with hand grenades and succeeded in killing he Japanese manning the weapon. Wounded during this action, Corporal parrot, by his courage, initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, greatly aided his company in the completion of its mission. His gallant devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 43156 (October 12, 1948)
Born: at Almeda, Texas
Home Town: Conroe, Texas

*PAULEY, CHESTER, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chester Pauley, Jr. (820152), Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a member of an assault demolitions team serving with the FOURTH Marine Division during the assault landing on Japanese-held Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, February 1 - 2, 1944. Volunteering to make a trip to the rear during a critical phase of the battle, Private Pauley crawled and ran under heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire to locate and guide forward a half-track for neutralizing the hostile weapons which were pinning down his unit. Later in the afternoon, making a second trip under intense enemy fire, he led three tanks toward his desperately fighting comrades, waling ahead in order to point out targets. During the late hours of the night, he brought up critically needed grenades and, when part of his assault team was closing in on one side of a pillbox, worked his way to the other flank in the face of machine-gun fire to warn a half-track not to assault that emplacement and endanger our men. Private Pauley's valiant fighting spirit and fearless devotion to duty throughout the engagement were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Board Serial: 2540 (May 31, 1944)
Born: at Gravton, West Virginia
Home Town: Los Angeles, California

PAULOS, JIM J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jim J. Paulos (0-17724), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving with Company G, Second Battalion (Reinforced), First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces near the village of Sumeru on the Japanese-held island of new Britain, on 30 December 1943. When hostile troops launched a surprise attack under cover of an early morning wind and rain squall and successfully penetrated our lines, Second Lieutenant Paulos promptly and efficiently organized a secondary line, holding the enemy forces, and then personally led a fierce, determined counterattack against he Japanese. Although wounded by shell fragments during the ensuing action, he valiantly continued directing the bitter fighting until his platoon had completely expelled the enemy from our positions. Second Lieutenant Paulos' inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit, maintained in the face of grave peril, prevented further penetration of his lines and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0879 (SofN Signed September 29, 1944)
Born: at Salt Lake City, Utah
Home Town: Tooele, Utah

PAYNE, FREDERICK ROUNDVILLE, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frederick Roundville Payne, Jr. (0-5161), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces over Guadalcanal, in the Solomons Islands Area during September and October 1942. Throughout that strenuous period when the island airfield was under constant bombardment and our precarious ground positions were menaced by the desperate counter thrusts of a fanatical foe, Major Payne repeatedly patrolled hostile territory and intercepted enemy bombing flights. With bold determination and courageous disregard of personal safety, he pressed home numerous attacks against heavily escorted waves of invading bombers and, in five vigorous fights against tremendous odds, shot down a total of six Japanese planes. His superb flying skill and dauntless initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 0750 (SofN Signed November 20, 1943)
Born: at Corning, New York
Home Town: Corning, New York

PEARCE, HARRY P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harry P. Pearce (0-42016), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 11 May 1945. Replacing an officer casualty in an assault platoon during a vital phase of the offensive against a strongly-entrenched enemy hill position, Second Lieutenant Pearce led his platoon along a valley leading to the hostile stronghold. Ordered to withdraw when a sudden barrage of machine-gun and rifle fire wounded several of his men, he directed fire against the Japanese to cover the evacuation of the casualties. Constantly exposing himself to enemy fire, he directed the stretcher-bearers and, after administering first aid to five walking wounded, personally assisted them to safety through a fire-swept area. After supervising the orderly withdrawal of his platoon, he again searched the area to insure that no wounded remained, killing several of the Japanese who attempted to charge the helpless men, and throwing smoke grenades to provide a screen for the stretcher-bearers who were handling litter cases. The last man to leave the area, he served as a constant inspiration to his men and, by his unfaltering courage and determination, was responsible for saving the lives of at least twelve men. His gallant leadership throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 79500
Born: at Carmi, Illinois
Home Town: Epworth, Illinois

PEATROSS, OSCAR F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Oscar F. Peatross (0-7196), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Platoon Commander of Company B, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. When extremely rough seas forced his separation from the rest of the raiding party, Captain Peatross boldly landed his men behind the enemy lines and attacked a superior enemy force. Continuing to harass the enemy's rear, thereby creating confusion in their ranks, Captain Peatross's daring tactics caused one of the enemy's aerial bombing formations to bomb its own troops. In this forceful and courageous engagement he and his group killed or wounded fifteen Japanese. His resourcefulness, leadership and personal valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD (October 1942)
Born: at Raleigh, North Carolina
Home Town: Raleigh, North Carolina

PENNELL, EDWARD S.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Edward S. Pennell (0-30461), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. Boldly defying intense enemy fire to attempt a rescue of five wounded men who were inaccessible to litter bearers and in need of immediate medical attention, Second Lieutenant Pennell ran one hundred yards to a tank and, by the use of the tank telephone, guided it into a position adjacent to two of the more seriously wounded me. After his men had placed the two wounded Marines in a small trench, he directed the movement of the tank until it straddled the casualties, enabling the wounded men to be pulled into the tank through the escape hatch in the floor. Still exposed to heavy hostile fire, he guided the vehicle through his platoon's entrenchments to a tank road. Then, contacting a second tank, he repeated the rescue operations to remove two more seriously wounded men and, when the first tank returned to the front, succeeded in evacuating the fifth casualty. By his daring initiative and courage under fire, Second Lieutenant Pennell undoubtedly saved the lives of five of his men. His leadership throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 43156 (SofN Signed August 15, 1947)
Born: at Portland, Maine
Home Town: Portland, Maine

*PENNINGER, FRED B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Fred B. Penninger (470567), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on February 1 and 2, 1944. Suffering from shrapnel wounds in the head and face incurred early in the action, Sergeant Penninger refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his squad far into Japanese-held territory. Fearlessly exposing himself, he deliberately drew enemy fire to aid in locating hostile snipers and gun positions and faced Japanese automatic weapons and small arms fire when he ran into a clear area in order to display front line marking panels to friendly aircraft. Leading in the successful capture of an enemy pillbox and the destruction of its occupants, Sergeant Penninger later acted as forward observer for a 60-mm. mortar, staunchly holding his position only 35 yards from the point of impact and directing the fire into oncoming enemy ranks as they launched a suicidal charge against our troops. Remaining steadfast during this fierce action until those about him had withdrawn, Sergeant Penninger was killed by a Japanese sniper's bullet but, through his heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, he had insured the defeat of the hostile attack. His great personal valor and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 2540 (May 31, 1944)
Born: at Charlotte, North Carolina
Home Town: Charlotte, North Carolina

PERCY, GEORGE A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George A. Percy (0-3106), Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Executive Officer and subsequently as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 21 February to 16 March 1945. After his Battalion Commander was wounded and evacuated on 2 March, Major Percy assumed command of the Battalion at a time when the combat efficiency was low and the men were faint with fatigue and shock. Revealing outstanding professional ability and an intimate knowledge of the situation, he quickly organized the Battalion's defense for the night and, on the following morning, led his force in an attack which ended on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Severely wounded in the left arm while directing an attack on 8 March, he submitted to treatment by the Battalion Surgeon but refused to leave the field. Wounded a second time that afternoon, he against refused evacuation and remained with his troops until completion of the operations. His indomitable fighting spirit, strategic ability and aggressive leadership were contributing factors to the final victory, and his exemplary devotion to duty reflects the highest credit on Major Percy and the United States Naval Service.
Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 51256 (November 22, 1948)
Born: at Arlington, Massachusetts
Home Town: New York, New York

PERCY, GILBERT
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gilbert Percy (0-10912), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, on 14 November 1942 and 1 February 1943. Quick to attack upon seeing ten hostile fighter planes attack friendly dive bombers as he was participating in a strike upon a large enemy tank force, First Lieutenant Percy shot down one enemy plane and aided immeasurably in destroying additional planes and inflicting severe damage upon vital enemy shipping. Undaunted by grave hazards on another occasion when an overwhelming hostile force attacked a friendly destroyer seventeen miles north of Guadalcanal, he boldly led four planes in a group of ten fighters to intercept the enemy aggressors and, fighting valiantly despite tremendous odds, personally shot down four hostile planes, thereby inflicting serious losses upon the Japanese. A bold and intrepid leader, First Lieutenant Percy, by his superb airmanship, resolute courage and unfaltering devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander, South Pacific: Serial 00596 (May 27, 1946)
Born: at San Buenaventuna, California
Home Town: Chico, California

*PERRAULT, HOWARD E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Howard E. Perrault (430837), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Tank Driver, serving with Company A, Sixth Tank Battalion, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 12 May 1945. Ordered to abandon his tank after it had been immobilized by a Japanese land mine during a coordinated tank-infantry assault, Corporal Perrault remained alert and undaunted as our forces withdrew to a better defensive position under continuous hostile barrages. Coolly appraising the immediate situation, he discovered several wounded infantrymen lying helpless in an exposed area and promptly went to their aid, carrying the casualties to another friendly tank and placing them on the leeward side of the vehicle away from the blasting Japanese guns. Hampered by lack of communication with the tank personnel and perceiving that the only passage open to the rescue tank lay across the hostile field of fire, he resolutely determined to effect the immediate evacuation of the critically wounded Marines despite the hazards and difficulties involved and, concerned only for the safety of his suffering comrades, leaped directly into the path of enemy fire and directed the tank driver by arm and hand signals to move out, bearing the wounded to friendly lines. Although fatally wounded s a result of his self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of others, Corporal Perrault had rendered valiant service in a critical emergency, and his resourceful initiative, stouthearted courage and unwavering devotion to the welfare of his fellow Marines in the face of grave personal danger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 52819 (February 25, 1946)
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

*PERRY, JOHN W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John W. Perry (395700), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Naha-Shuri sector of Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 18 May 1945. In charge of the right flank platoon during a furious assault by his company upon a strongly-defended enemy ridge, Corporal Perry, acting on his own initiative, made his way alone to the top of the vital ridge through an avalanche of hand grenades for a reconnaissance. After locating the key hostile pillbox that was causing many casualties, he returned to his platoon for a machine-gun squad, placed the squad and fearlessly directed the machine-gun fire from an exposed position, neutralizing the Japanese fire and making it possible for his platoon to gain its objective. By his skillful leadership, cool courage in the face of grave danger and indomitable fighting spirit, Corporal Perry served as an inspiration to his comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 52118 (January 10, 1946)
Born: at Garner, North Carolina
Home Town: Cary, North Carolina

PETERS, DALE L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Dale L. Peters (274624), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service, extraordinary courage and disregard of his own condition while serving with Battery H, SIXTH Marine Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, Naval Air Station Midway, during the bombardment of Sand Island, Midway Islands, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Without regard for his dazed condition caused by being blown through a window resulting from a bursting shell, and a subsequent fall of about fourteen feet, Corporal Peters, upon his own initiative, assisted in removing large aerial bombs from the burning hangars. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Prepared: March 5, 1942
Born: January 8, 1917 at Breckenridge, Michigan
Home Town: Breckenridge, Michigan

PETRIE, CLARENCE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Clarence E. Petrie (335730), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Reconnaissance Sergeant of Company D, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert islands, on 21 November 1943. When intense fire from enemy shore emplacements inflicted heavy casualties on our forces as they waded toward the beach, Sergeant Petrie voluntarily prepared to aid his Platoon Leader in attacking the hostile positions. In the face of persistent Japanese machine-gun fire, he assisted in bringing a 75-mm. pack-howitzer into use and helped with the loading until the devastating fire of the first enemy pillbox was neutralized and then, with his officer, immediately moved inside the position to kill any remaining defenders. Maintaining a steady, accurate stream of covering fire, he enabled his Platoon Leader to attack three of a group of four connecting emplacements, on each occasion entering the pillboxes to annihilate the defenders and, when his officer was seriously wounded by an enemy grenade inside the third position, unhesitatingly risked his life to drag his companion out to safety and carry him back to the aid station. By his splendid initiative, Sergeant Petrie rendered invaluable assistance in putting out of action six important Japanese guns, and his indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 0647
Born: at Gridley, California
Home Town: Gridley, California

PETTUS, FRANCES C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frances C. Pettus (259182), Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Headquarters, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 8 to 14 September 1942. During the attack on Tasimboko on 8 September, Platoon Sergeant Pettus, attached to the battalion intelligence section, led a small patrol to reconnoiter the gap existing between two companies in the front line. Although constantly exposed to hostile machine gun and rifle fire, he completed his mission, bringing back invaluable information to his commander. Again on the night of 13 - 14 September, during the enemy attack on the airport at Guadalcanal, Platoon Sergeant Pettus, at great risk of his life, kept his commander accurately informed of the situation on the battalion's exposed left flank. In addition, he carried ammunition to the foremost gun positions and assisted in the evacuation of the wounded. His fortitude, courage, and indomitable fighting spirit throughout these engagements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 298 (SofN Signed June 23, 1943)
Born: at Savannah, Georgia
Home Town: Savannah, Georgia

PFANNKUCH, ORVILLE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Orville E. Pfannkuch (301928), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Medium Tank Commander of Company C, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Marianas Islands, 31 July 1944. Though his tank had been damaged by six hits from an unseen antitank gun of heavy caliber, and he had been given permission to withdraw for repairs, Corporal Pfannkuch continued to advance in a search for the gun. When another tank in the vicinity received several hits from the same weapon, he unhesitatingly attacked the position and succeeded in destroying the antitank gun and an entire enemy strong point in which it was located. By his heroism and cool courage in the face of heavy Japanese fire, Corporal Pfannkuch was instrumental in removing a serious obstacle to the advance of our forces in the area, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: at Vail, Iowa
Home Town: Altoona, Iowa

PIASECZNY, WILLIAM L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William L. Piaseczny (353612), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as member of a Rifle Company of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Matanikau River Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 5 October 1942. After a hospital corpsman had been killed in a third desperate and unsuccessful attempt to rescue a wounded Marine from an exposed position, Private First Class Piaseczny, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, daringly worked his way forward under a hail of enemy fire and removed his comrade to a place of safety. By his extreme courage and unselfish devotion to duty, Private First Class Piaseczny undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade who otherwise might have perished. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 829 (SofN Signed August 27, 1943)
Born: August 1, 1915 at Detroit, Michigan
Home Town: Detroit, Michigan

PIERCE, FRANCIS E., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Francis E. Pierce, Jr. (0-7482), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as a Fighter Pilot attached to Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14) FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 11 and 15 January 1943. On 11 January Captain Pierce accompanied eleven other fighter planes escorting dive bombers ordered to strike at enemy shipping off New Georgia Island. As Japanese fighter planes fiercely attacked our bombers and threatened the success of our mission, he daringly engaged the enemy and by his cool courage and expert marksmanship shot down two hostile aircraft and assisted in driving off the remaining planes, thereby insuring the success of the dive-bombing attack. While taking part in a similar mission on 15 January he was piloting one of fifteen fighter planes when twenty-four enemy fighters attacked our dive bombers. Although wounded severely in both legs and with his plane badly damaged, Captain Pierce, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, boldly countered the attack and personally shot down three of the eleven Japanese planes destroyed during the engagement. His superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 0781 (SofN Signed November 4, 1943)
Born: at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Coronado, California

PIERCE, HAROLD G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harold G. Pierce (856755), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Leader of an Engineer Demolition Squad of Company C, Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. When the infantry's advance was repeatedly checked by devastating fire from heavily fortified emplacements on Mount Suribachi, Sergeant Pierce courageously led his squad against the hostile positions. Undaunted by the lack of adequate fire support, he armed himself with an abandoned automatic rifle and, after delivering concentrated fire on a position, rushed forward and placed a demolition charge. Continuing these tactics throughout the day, Sergeant Pierce personally assaulted and destroyed six of the Japanese strongholds although seriously wounded during this action by an enemy grenade. His daring initiative and skill under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 45784
Born: at Marblehead, Massachusetts
Home Town: Salem, Massachusetts

*PIERCE, WARREN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Warren H. Pierce (445433), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader in a platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Seriously wounded and carried ashore by his comrades when landing on the heavily fortified beachhead during the fierce hostilities on D-Day, Sergeant Pierce fearlessly directed the movements of his men against a savagely defending enemy, pouring murderous machine-gun fire into their ranks. Realizing that heavy casualties were being inflicted by the withering automatic fire and the shattering mortar barrage which was brought down upon their stationary positions, he maneuvered his men, with cool determination and tactical skill, to a position where a vicious assault annihilated the fanatic Japanese and enabled his company to advance inland during an extremely critical stage of the battle, before he succumbed to his wounds. Sergeant Pierce's outstanding leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor, despite mortal wounds, contributed materially to the saving of many lives and to the success of our forces in the initial assault, reflecting the highest credit upon himself ant the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 35621 (January 10, 1946)
Born: at Lansing, Tennessee
Home Town: Middletown, Ohio

*PINKERTON, DAVID W., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to David W. Pinkerton, Jr. (0-7535), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Pinkerton aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Pinkerton gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
Born: at Toledo, Ohio
Home Town: Orlando, Florida

*PINTER, ALPONSE A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Alponse A. Pinter (294844), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Leader of a Machine-Gun Section serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, from 21 to 25 July 1944. When both guns of his section jammed during a Japanese night Banzai charge, Sergeant Pinter immediately brought his sub-machine gun to bear on the hostile forces and, courageously maintaining a steady, accurate fire and intermittently throwing grenades, destroyed eight of the enemy and disorganized the attack before the other weapons were restored to action, thereby saving his entire sector. On 25 July, although mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire, he steadfastly refused assistance and tenaciously continued to direct the evacuation of all other casualties in his section until he succumbed to his wounds. Sergeant Pinter's splendid initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing loyalty to duty and to his men reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 004225 (January 4, 1945)
Born: at Cladwell, Texas
Home Town: Dime Box, Texas

PLUMLEY, MERWYN C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Merwyn C. Plumley (0-7258), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of Company A, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. With his company providing the advance guard, Captain Plumley led the assault on enemy forces, retaining the initiative in spite of heavy casualties sustained by his company, and successfully turning back two severe charges by the enemy which threatened the flank. When two leaders of his first platoon were wounded in quick succession, he personally assumed the leadership of this platoon, which held a key position, until another leader became available. The inspiring example of his leadership and his outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 21, 1942
Born: at Grand Ledge, Michigan
Home Town: Nashville, Michigan

*POLAKOWSKI, CASIMIR R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Casimir R. Polakowski (299898), Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 3 January 1944. After skillfully maneuvering his unit into an advantageous position from which to assault an enemy stronghold, Platoon Sergeant Polakowski led the charge with cool determination and daring aggressiveness and accounted for several of the Japanese before he, himself, was mortally wounded within a few feet of a hostile machine gun. Platoon Sergeant Polakowski's courage, spirit of self-sacrifice and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0940
Born: at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

*POLK, HAROLD E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Harold E. Polk (291799), Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a member of an assault rifle platoon serving with the Twenty- Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, during the attack against enemy Japanese-held Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 18 February 1944. When his platoon was held up by fierce enemy machine-gun and rifle fire, Private Polk realized the attack was coming from a pillbox and, on his own initiative, worked his way under devastating fire to the entrance of the Japanese emplacement, fused and ignited a bangalore torpedo and thrust it into the pillbox. During this valiant and daring action, Private Polk was mortally wounded by Japanese rifle and grenade fire but he had succeeded in destroying the hostile strongpoint with nineteen of its defenders. By his extreme bravery and indomitable fighting spirit he enabled his platoon to advance toward its objective. His outstanding devotion to duty throughout the action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Board Serial: 2540 (May 31, 1944)
Born: at Warrick County, Indiana
Home Town: Booneville, Indiana

POLLOCK, DANIEL C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Daniel C. Pollock (0-5818), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, Volcano Islands, 19 March 1945. With his battalion reduced to forty-three percent of its landing strength and the remaining members in a critical state of fatigue during the fifth consecutive day of combat against strong enemy defenses concealed by camouflage in extremely rough terrain, Lieutenant Colonel Pollock moved forward into the front lines under intense fire and, conducting a thorough personal reconnaissance of this dangerous area, prepared a bold enveloping maneuver aimed toward positions behind Hill 165, the last high ground on the island controlled by the Japanese. Increasing the morale and fighting efficiency of the battalion by words of encouragement as he proceeded from man to man, Lieutenant Colonel Pollock inspired a new confidence in his exhausted men and led a daring attack through the enemy to the rear of the hill, disorganizing the defending force and annihilating hostile troops who attempted withdrawal. A brilliant and fearless leader, he directed the capture and occupation of the hill with only a minimum personnel losses and led a small reconnaissance patrol into hazardous, unexplored beach areas, locating routes of approach to the final ravine positions of the Japanese. His superb tactics, fearless aggressiveness, indomitable spirit and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were decisive factors in the elimination of a vital strong point, and his heroic conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Pollock and the United States Naval Service.
Commanding Officer, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 44532 (April 1, 1946)
Born: at Washington, D.C.
Home Town: Washington, D.C.

POLLOCK, EDWIN A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Edwin A. Pollock (0-3745), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces Guadalcanal, during the night of 20 - 21 August 1942. When the troops under his command were subjected to a powerful and determined surprise attack at the Tenaru River, Lieutenant Colonel Pollock, immediately leaving his Command Post, advanced through severe enemy mortar and machine-gun fire to a position in the front line, and while thus constantly exposed to extreme danger, directed the defense of our forces for a period of twelve hours. As a result of his excellent judgment and superb leadership, the men under his command destroyed practically the entire enemy force of seven hundred. His outstanding courage and dauntless spirit of aggressiveness contributed greatly to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD (October 1942)
Born: at Augusta, Georgia
Home Town: Augusta, Georgia

POND, KENNETH A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Kenneth A. Pond (0-9433), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands from 20 August 1942 to 13 September 1942. Alone, and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, Second Lieutenant Pond courageously attacked and shot down six enemy planes. His outstanding valor and skillful airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 197 (SofN Signed April 14, 1943)
Born: at Hillsdale County, Michigan
Home Town: Jackson, Michigan

POTTERSNAK, CHARLES J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles J. Pottersnak (343728), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 3 October 1944. After his company had occupied a narrow ridge and the safety of its positions was jeopardized by heavy enemy machine-gun fire from positions which completely commanded the ridge, Private First Class Pottersnak voluntarily crossed over the ridge and, extricating a hostile machine gun from a cave in which its crew had already been killed, destroyed the enemy weapon before returning to his own lines. Observing that a group of the Japanese was attempting to put another machine gun in position, he again crossed the ridge and destroyed the enemy gun and crew. His aggressive fighting spirit, initiative and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 00597
Born: at Alliance, Ohio
Home Town: Colliers, West Virginia

POTTORFF, DAVID M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to David M. Pottorff (0-15275), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while attached to Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, on 18 February 1945. When enemy artillery fire hit the U.S.S. Blessman on which he was embarked, killing the Commanding Officer and destroying the ship's control and communication system, First Lieutenant Pottorff organized and directed a vocal chain of communication to the engine room and to the manually-operated rudder and thereby prevented the beaching and destruction of the crippled craft. When the ship was bombed twice and set afire while retiring from the area that night, he instantly organized the uninjured Marines aboard and evacuated the wounded and dying from the burning area. Despite the hazards involved, First Lieutenant Pottorff continued to direct the fire fighting parties and prevented the spread of flames to the fantail which housed eighty tons of explosives. His initiative, cool courage and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 04307 (SofN Signed January 15, 1948)
Born: at Memphis, Tennessee
Home Town: Memphis, Tennessee

*POULIN, ANDREW V.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Andrew V. Poulin (422507), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Assistant Leader of a Rifle Squad serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Asan-Adelup, Guam, Marianas Islands, on the night of 25 - 26 July 1944. Occupying a position with his squad in the line held by his company during a fierce enemy Banzai charge, Corporal Poulin volunteered to man a machine gun which had previously been put out of action and, courageously advancing fifty yards under heavy concentrations of Japanese fire, successfully gained his objective, restored the gun to action and relentlessly fought of the hostile attack, killing at least ten of the enemy before he was mortally wounded. Corporal Poulin's splendid initiative and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril enabled his comrades to re-man other crewless guns, thereby contributing materially to the repulsion of the enemy attack, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 004430 (January 11, 1945)
Born: at Lanesboro, Massachusetts
Home Town: Pittsfield, Massachusetts

*POUND, HENRY T.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Henry T. Pound (993448), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Rifleman, serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. Climbing to the top of a jagged, towering rock on Hill 382 during a fierce skirmish with the Japanese in one of the strongest enemy defensive sectors, Private Pound repeatedly exposed himself to intense rifle, grenade and machine-gun barrages in order to fire upon the many Japanese running intermittently from their caves in desperate delaying counterattacks against our advancing Marines. With hostile hand grenades exploding dangerously close to his vulnerable position and bullets whining past him, once piercing his helmet and twice damaging rifles in his hand, Private Pound maintained steady fire upon all Japanese coming within range of his deadly weapon and, making his way toward the rear area on two occasions for spare rifles and additional ammunition, returned each time to the rocky pinnacle and resumed his daring action, killing at lest two of the enemy and pinning many more inside their caves and emplacements. Taking up his station again, following a second trip to the rear lines, he continued to wage a bitter fight against the fanatic enemy, completing ninety minutes of almost constant exposure to intense fire before he fell, mortally wounded. His fearless initiative, indomitable spirit, unyielding courage and heroic devotion to duty at grave personal risk were inspiring to those with whom he served and reflect the highest credit upon Private Pound and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 35576 (December 14, 1945)
Born: at Gaston, South Carolina
Home Town: Lexington, South Carolina

*POWELL, ERNEST A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ernest A. Powell (0-10969), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-122), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, on 15 July 1943. When his division made contact with a large number of Japanese twin-engined bombers over Rendova Island, Captain Powell immediately went into action and, boldly intercepting a Zero which was attempting to disrupt the attack by one of our fighters on a hostile bomber, made a head-run on the enemy fighter and exploded it in mid-air. Veering his course, he promptly engaged a Japanese bomber and disintegrated the hostile plane with one burst of fire. Undeterred by a dangerously low supply of ammunition after forcing a third enemy pilot to bail out of his blazing plane, Captain Powell daringly engaged his fourth plane and sent it crashing down off the coast of Kolombangara. His superb airmanship and gallant fighting spirit throughout this action and daring numerous other hazardous missions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander, South Pacific: Serial 001740
Born: at Memphis, Tennessee
Home Town: Memphis, Tennessee

POWELL, ROBERT FRANCIS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Francis Powell (273889), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a member of a combat patrol serving with the FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 28 January 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his machine-gun section under intense and determined enemy machine-gun, rifle and mortar fire, Corporal Powell moved his guns into positions most advantageous for supporting the advance of a rifle platoon and maintained a steady, withering fire upon the hostile forces until ordered to withdraw. While directing the evacuation of his section from the area, he observed a wounded rifleman approximately fifty yards ahead and, although still subjected to heavy enemy fie, crawled forward in an effort to remove the injured man. Wounded in the right arm and forced to withdraw as a result of increased opposition, he courageously made another attempt to reach his comrade but, receiving a second, more serious wound, collapsed before he could accomplish his mission and was later carried to an aid station. Corporal Powell's dauntless spirit and self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of another were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0879 (SofN Signed September 29, 1944)
Born: at Rochester, New York
Home Town: Rochester, New York

POWERS, JAMES J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James J. Powers (407569), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. Sergeant Powers volunteered to be lowered into a sulphur quarry one hundred feet deep in order to seal the entrance of a cave which was occupied by enemy troops menacing our forces. Award that the Japanese within the cave had previously engaged our assault troops in a sharp fire fight, he courageously descended by means of a steel cable on a winch, carrying a heavy load of explosives to the cave entrance. Braving the determined fire of the enemy, he placed his charge and blasted the cave opening, trapping the Japanese. Forced to ascend rapidly to escape the effects of the explosion, Sergeant Powers suffered painful and mutilating injuries to his hands. Despite his injuries, he resolutely refused evacuation and remained in action for a period of twenty-five days. His indomitable spirit, valiant action and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 43882
Born: at Worcester, Massachusetts
Home Town: Butte, Montana

POWERS, ROBERT A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert A. Powers (507704), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 20 May 1945. After all senior non-commissioned officers had become casualties, Corporal Powers promptly assumed the duties of platoon sergeant of two combined platoons and, when a fierce enemy counterattack was launched against the company's line on King Ridge during the night, he continually exposed himself to intense hostile fire to encourage his men and direct the firing of his automatic weapons. When enemy troops infiltrated through the lines while the attack was at its peak, mingling with our forces and causing many casualties with grenades and bayonets, Corporal Powers courageously leaped from his foxhole and moved up and down the line, annihilating the enemy soldiers and reorganizing his own men. Through his valiant efforts, he contributed materially to repelling the hostile counterattack with large losses to the enemy. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 98301
Born: June 28, 1924 at St. Paul, Minnesota
Home Town: White Bear Lake, Minnesota

PRENDERGAST, JAMES F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James F. Prendergast (0-27032), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader, attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 15 and 26 June 1944. Assembling a small group of Marines to divert an enemy force threatening his company's rear positions in a flanking maneuver, Second Lieutenant Prendergast fearlessly led his men in a vigorous attack into a wooded area where the Japanese were seen. Undeterred by a painful wound sustained during the ensuing action, he continued his daring advance and, fighting on with pistol and hand grenades when his carbine became inoperative, succeeded in killing seven of the enemy. Refusing evacuation despite a second wound, Second Lieutenant Prendergast crossed an open field under heavy machine-gun barrages, carrying a wounded man to a place of comparative safety for medical treatment. On 27 June, he led his platoon against two machine-gun emplacements in high cliffs, advancing over ground swept by intense hostile fire and saturated by grenades and dynamite charges dropped from above, and was wounded a third time while taking another man out of range of the Japanese weapons. Although ordered to the rear lines, he had inspired his men to carry out the attack with renewed determination and boldness, thereby contributing in a large measure to the reduction of the hostile strong point and to the success of our over-all operations on Saipan. His fortitude, brilliant leadership, indomitable spirit and heroic devotion to duty in the face of grave danger reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Prendergast and the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6067 (SofN Signed August 27, 1946)
Born: at Easton, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Easton, Pennsylvania

PRESLEY, FRANK H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frank H. Presley (0-10906), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during the periods 9 October 1942 to 23 November 1942, and from 1 to 30 January 1943. During an extremely tense and dangerous period when our positions on Guadalcanal Island were ominously threatened, First Lieutenant Presley, while serving a six weeks' tour of duty, participated in numerous engagements with hostile forces and, by his expert marksmanship, shot down three enemy planes. In the latter period, despite the dangers involved in combat with numerically superior forces, he skillfully operated his fighter on offensive patrols and accounted for the destruction of two hostile craft. On one occasion, when ten dive bombers and twelve Zero-type fighters attacked Task Force Sixty-Seven, for which his four-lane patrol was serving as protective cover, First Lieutenant Presley displayed superb airmanship in shooting one bomber out of the sky and contributing to the severe losses inflicted on the enemy. His relentless fighting spirit was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 00596 (SofN Signed October 8, 1943)
Born: at Fredericksburg, Virginia
Home Town: Encinitas, California

*PRESTON, BENJAMIN S., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Benjamin S. Preston, Jr. (0-16243), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while in command of an assault platoon in the Third Battalion Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during the invasion of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on February 1 - 2, 1944. Assigned to an extremely hazardous sector, First Lieutenant Preston skillfully and daringly neutralized a series of hostile strong points fortified by pillboxes and blockhouses, then, reorganizing his platoon, continued to engage the enemy throughout the night. On the following day, when his unit was subjected to withering fire from a heavily entrenched Japanese machine-gun position, he launched a lone attack, throwing grenades with deadly accuracy and engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until the emplacement was destroyed. Boldly continuing the assault into a trench system behind the gun position, he was attacked by seventeen Japanese and, fighting desperately against this overwhelming force, succeeded in destroying several of the enemy before he himself was killed. First Lieutenant Preston's valiant leadership and courageous spirit of self-sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander In Chief, Pacific Forces, Serial 2540 (May 31, 1944)
Born: at Charleston, West Virginia
Home Town: Concord, Tennessee

PRITCHETT, BENJAMIN F., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Benjamin F. Pritchett, Jr. (348195), Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Eniwetok, Marshall Islands, 19 February 1944. When a wounded Marine lay exposed to both enemy and friendly fire, Private Pritchett risked his life to work his way forward through the interchanging blaze of flying bullets to rescue his comrade. Later, when the squad leader and the assistant squad leader of an adjacent squad were killed, he took control of the squad and skillfully organized it for a successful night defense, in which action he was seriously wounded. His superb leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 02476
Born: at Phoenix, Arizona
Home Town: Fort Worth, Texas

*PROSEK, GILBERT GEORGE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gilbert George Prosek (459282), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island, on 3 January 1944. In the face of intense fire from heavily fortified enemy positions on the opposite bank of a stream, Private First Class Prosek made three charges across the stream against an enemy machine gun position, putting the gun out of action. He then, from an exposed position, provided covering fire for the crossing of another member of his platoon, during which action he lost his life. Private First Class Prosek's indomitable fighting spirit, valiant self-sacrifice and unyielding devotion to duty were an inspiration to all members of his unit and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 1291 (SofN Signed August 26, 1944)
Born: at Chester, Illinois
Home Town: Chester, Illinois

PROSSER, BRUCE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Bruce Prosser (0-6430), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 and 5 June 1942. On the night of 4 June, when his squadron commander lost his way and became separated from the others, Captain Prosser brought his own plane in for a safe landing at its base despite extremely hazardous weather and total darkness. The following day, after less than four hours' sleep, he led a section of planes in a glide-bombing attack upon a damaged Japanese battleship, releasing his own bomb in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire at the perilously low altitude of five hundred feet. When his division leader was shot down, he promptly assumed the lead after the attack and brought the division back safely to its base. His courageous initiative and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
Born: at Dixie, Washington
Home Town: McMinnville, Oregon

PULLER, LEWIS B.
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lewis B. Puller (0-3158), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during the action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 24 - 25 October 1942. While Lieutenant Colonel Puller's battalion was holding a mile-long front in a heavy downpour of rain, a Japanese force, superior in number, launched a vigorous assault against that position of the line which passed through a dense jungle. Courageously withstanding the enemy's desperate and determined attacks, Lieutenant Colonel Puller not only held his battalion to its position until reinforcements arrived three hours later, but also effectively commanded the augmented force until late in the afternoon of the next day. By his tireless devotion to duty and cool judgment under fire, he prevented a hostile penetration of our lines and was largely responsible for the successful defense of the sector assigned to his troops. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.
Born: June 26, 1898 at West Point, Virginia
Home Town: Saluda, Virginia
Other Award: Navy Cross and Gold Star (2nd Nicaragua), 3d Gold Star (WWII), 4th Gold Star (Korea), Distinguished Service Cross (Korea)
PULLER, LEWIS B.
(Fourth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Cross to Lewis B. Puller (0-3158), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Executive Officer of the Seventh Marines (Reinforced), FIRST Marine Division, serving with the SIXTH United States Army, in combat against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from 26 December 1943 to 19 January 1944. Assigned temporary command of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, from 4 to 9 January, Lieutenant Colonel Puller quickly reorganized and advanced his unit, effecting the seizure of the objective without delay. Assuming additional duty in command of the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, from 7 to 8 January, after the commanding officer and executive officer had been wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Puller unhesitatingly exposed himself to rifle, machine-gun and mortar fire from strongly entrenched Japanese positions to move from company to company in his front lines, reorganizing and maintaining a critical position along a fire-swept ridge. His forceful leadership and gallant fighting spirit under the most hazardous conditions were contributing factors in the defeat of the enemy during this campaign and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: June 26, 1898 at West Point, Virginia
Home Town: Saluda, Virginia
Other Award: Navy Cross and Gold Star (2nd Nicaragua), 2d Gold Star (WWII), 4th Gold Star (Korea), Distinguished Service Cross (Korea)
PUTNAM, PAUL ALBERT (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Paul Albert Putnam (0-4036), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Commanding Officer and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-211), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Wake Island, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the defense of Wake Island on 21 December 1941. When the island was subjected to a relentless attack by carrier-based hostile aircraft, Major Putnam proceeded by truck to the airfield and, although severely strafed by enemy planes on the way and forced to abandon his truck on two separate occasions, succeeded in reaching his objective. Then, embarking in a friendly fighter plane, he executed an unsupported flight far out to sea in a desperate attempt to locate the Japanese carrier. By his initiative and courage throughout this hazardous action, Major Putnam upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 11583 (January 14, 1947)
Born: 1903 at Milan, Michigan
Home Town: Caranade, California