Vincent H. Wiehardt

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Vincent H. Wiehardt (333564), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Weapons Platoon Section Leader with the First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert islands, on 20 and 21 November 1943. Separated from his own company commander during the intense action, Sergeant Wiehardt voluntarily assumed command of a group of twenty men and steadfastly continued operations against hostile lines. At one period of the bitter fighting, he rushed an enemy machine-gun emplacement armed only with grenades and, fearlessly remaining beside the concealed weapon, signaled one of our tanks to come and blast it. Boldly crawling to another pill box, he repeated his heroic tactics and succeeded in killing all the Japanese in the position. Subsequently while rushing toward a Japanese sniper, he was mortally wounded by enemy shellfire. Sergeant Wiehardt’s great personal valor, relentless fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave peril contributed materially to the success of our forces in that area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Board Serial: 917 (March 24, 1944)