Eugene S. Vance

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Eugene S. Vance (540479), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on the island of Guam, Marianas Group, on 22 July 1944. While serving with an assault engineer platoon, Private First Class Vance was under heavy enemy mortar and rifle fire. An enemy grenade fell near him and his platoon leader and his platoon chief. With complete disregard for his own safety he grasped the grenade in an effort to throw it clear of the others but the grenade exploded and he lost his right hand as a result. His heroic action saved the lives of two men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.