Stanley L. Bitchell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Stanley L. Bitchell (857017), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 2 May 1945. When a late afternoon attack by his company prevented the preparation of an organized defense before dark, Corporal Bitchell fearlessly directed his squad in the face of intense hostile machine-gun and rifle fire and made preparations to neutralize the enemy fire at dawn. Obtaining smoke grenades and demolitions, he moved forward at the first light of day and, crawling to the entrance of a gun position, placed his charges inside to destroy the emplacement. Continuing his heroic actions, he demolished a second machine gun position and again moved forward to destroy other enemy caves, demolish two machine guns and kill twelve of the Japanese. His indomitable fighting spirit, initiative and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon corporal Bitchell and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 79496 (September 15, 1945)