Jack Keiningham

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jack Keiningham (410715), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 16 June 1944. When a 37-mm. gun in front of our lines was silenced with the death or serious wounding of the last of its crew during a fierce enemy counterattack, Corporal Keiningham ran to his command post, obtained ammunition and, braving intense hostile fire, returned to the gun. While unfamiliar with that type of gun, he courageously manned it and fired eight rounds, destroying many of the enemy before receiving a wound which forced his subsequent evacuation. His courage, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Keiningham and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 22939