John W. Antonelli

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John W. Antonelli (0-6450), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese Forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. On 9 March, when the attack of his Battalion was stopped by extremely heavy enemy fire, Major Antonelli fearlessly worked his way over fire-swept ground to a small knoll forward of his front lines to make a reconnaissance. Although severely wounded while on this mission, he refused to be evacuated until he had completed his reconnaissance and issued the necessary orders for the resumption of the attack. After being sent to a field hospital, Major Antonelli voluntarily returned to his Command Post under a heavy shelling and resumed command of his Battalion, remaining with it until ordered back to the hospital by his Commanding Officer. A day later, he again joined his men and led them until evacuated from the island on 16 March, to prevent further infection of his wounds. His inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Major Antonelli and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 46924-45