Donald R. Jordan

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Donald R. Jordan (489161), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 16 June 1944. Valiantly exposing himself to intense hostile fire in order to wipe out a group of Japanese troops attempting to set up a machine gun in a position exceedingly dangerous to his company during a vicious enemy attack, Private First Class Jordan immediately stood upright with his machine gun when he was unable to gain a field of fire and, despite the extreme danger to himself, calmly and skillfully directed accurate fire on the emplacement, destroying the entire crew before they could open fire on our forces. With succeeding enemy troops still advancing against our position, he fearlessly remained standing and continued firing until he was fatally struck down by hostile shellfire. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor, Private First Class Jordan contributed immeasurably to the success of our forces in repulsing the bitter Japanese onslaughts, 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 1176 (February 22, 1945)