Martin J. Queeney

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Martin J. Queeney (359188), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Determined to knock out a powerful and stubborn Japanese gun battery, Sergeant Queeney dropped to the ground and, crawling slowly, made his torturous way through the shifting volcanic ash under the relentless slash of bullets from supporting enemy pillboxes delivering covering fire for the huge coastal installation. Immediately upon gaining his objective, he thrust a deadly demolition charge into the entrance of the position, shattering the enemy strong point and annihilating the defending garrison of fourteen Japanese soldiers. An indomitable fighter, Sergeant Queeney, by his dauntless initiative, cool decision and tenacious perseverance in the fulfillment of his dangerous mission, contributed materially to the crushing of fanatic enemy resistance in his sector and his great personal valor throughout the bitter hostilities reflects the highest credit upon Sergeant Queeney and the United States Naval Service.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 31426 (June 21, 1945)