Thomas J. Mayers

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas J. Mayers (862467), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for heroism and extraordinary achievement while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. When his squad was attacked by an infiltrating enemy group during an attempted night break-through, Private First Class Mayers heard the cries of his comrades who were being bayoneted in a nearby foxhole. Although his own rifle failed to fire, he valiantly rushed the hostile group with fixed bayonet, stabbing and clubbing them away from his wounded comrades and, as the Japanese fled, threw hand grenades at their retreating figures, killing at least four of them. His resolute courage, determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 45783