Carl J. Lindblad

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Carl J. Lindblad (0-22810), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Rifle Platoon Leader, attached to Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 27 February 1945. Dauntlessly leading his platoon in repeated attacks against a strong enemy force securely entrenched in caves and pillboxes along a rocky ridge dominating a vital airfield, First Lieutenant Lindblad constantly exposed himself to merciless hostile machine-gun, mortar and artillery fire to coordinate the assault and, moving from man to man along the entire platoon front, issued orders and rallied his gallant forces throughout the bitter action. When an intense barrage of Naval gunfire from friendly ships rained down upon his section, disrupting communications, he bravely dashed through the shattering fire for a distance of one hundred and fifty yards to report the situation to his Commanding Officer and have the bombardment lifted. By his great valor and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril, First Lieutenant Lindblad saved the lives of many men, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 36978 (November 6, 1945)