Barnie O. Baggett

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Barnie O. Baggett (444135), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Fire Group Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. When intense machine-gun, rifle and mortar fire pinned down his platoon, corporal Baggett volunteered to lead tanks forward of the front lines to direct their fire. Although painfully wounded in the shoulder by enemy sniper fire, he continued to direct the tank fire on hostile defensive positions and, when he was again wounded, refused evacuation until the Japanese position in the area was destroyed. His initiative, 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 44965-45