Onel W. Dickens

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Onel W. Dickens (456382), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as an Armored Amphibian Commander of Company D, Second Armored Amphibian Battalion, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 15 June 1944. Maneuvering his vehicle under heavy artillery fire in company with the only other remaining armored amphibian in his platoon, Sergeant Dickens pushed fifteen hundred yards inland and, unsupported by infantry deep in hostile territory, delivered effective fire which destroyed machine gun nests and pillboxes and set fire to a fuel dump. Encountering four enemy medium tanks, he opened fire and destroyed one of them and, when forced by heavy shellfire to abandon his own vehicle, successfully led his crew back to the front lines. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Dickens and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6068 (SofN signed January 14, 1948)