Walter Xavier Young

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Walter Xavier Young (0-7873), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Communications Officer, FIRST Parachute Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, during the assault on enemy Japanese forces at Gavutu, Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. During the extremely dangerous initial landings on Gavutu, First Lieutenant Young, on his own courageous initiative, fearlessly attacked several of the enemy in a single-handed attempt to neutralize a dugout which commanded a portion of the dock and constituted a grave menace to his comrades. Although fully aware of his imminent peril, he determinedly continued his voluntary action until, while effecting a daring entrance, he was fatally wounded by rifle or pistol fire from within the dugout. First Lieutenant Young’s heroic spirit of self-sacrifice 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 1113 (SofN Signed December 4, 1943)