Orville E. W. Broeker

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Orville E.W. Broeker (397881), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 23 November 1943. When heavy enemy fire from a concrete machine-gun emplacement stopped the advance of his company, Corporal Broeker promptly withdrew his squad to a protected position and unhesitatingly began to make his way forward under intense fire to the hostile emplacement. Although wounded in the face and partially blinded by fragments of a Japanese grenade, he courageously continued on his mission and, gaining the top of the pillbox, accurately destroyed the enemy resistance, thus allowing the front lines to advance. Corporal Broeker’s splendid initiative, great personal valor and unselfish devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 0647