Charles A. West

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles A. West (224058), Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving in a Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 16 June and 3 July 1944. Assuming command of his platoon shortly after the landing operation in which the Leader was wounded and evacuated, Sergeant West bravely led his men into action to repulse the enemy’s fierce and prolonged counterattack and to retain our positions vitally needed to protect an exposed flank. Although the Japanese were concentrating intense artillery, machine-gun and mortar fire on his sector, he continuously worked his way through exposed areas to inspect the lines and reconnoiter the hostile positions. Courageously exposing himself to an enemy barrage again on 3 July, he voluntarily guided a flame thrower tank through an intense concentration of machine-gun and rifle fire and, although in full view of the defending Japanese troops, skillfully directed the vehicle to a hostile machine gun emplacement, thereby contributing directly to the destruction of this enemy position and to the advance of his platoon. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6112