Remi A. Balduck

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Remi A. Balduck (294042), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 9 November 1942. Although he was only a squad leader, Corporal Balduck, as virtual spearhead of his platoon, urged the men to initiate a successful rout of the enemy during a frontal attack in which strong Japanese positions were encountered and an envelopment from the right flank was contemplated. In spite of a fatal wound sustained during the course of the engagement, Corporal Balduck valiantly carried on to the last, throwing a hand grenade as he fell. His relentless fighting spirit, maintained with utter disregard of personal safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

SPOT AWARD, Commander, South Pacific: Serial 00232 (February 11, 1943)