Joseph T. Sganga

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Joseph T. Sganga (502740), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 5 March 1945. Voluntarily going forward of the front lines, Corporal Sganga directed a tank over almost impassable terrain in order to bring fire upon fortified enemy positions that were retarding the advance of his company. Although the tank was subjected to heavy small-arms and mortar fire, he remained on the tank telephone, directing fire until the resistance was neutralized. When a tank which had completed its mission was unable to withdraw because of hostile mortar fire and poor visibility over rough, rocky, mine-infested terrain later that same day, he braved a heavy mortar barrage to go to the aid of the tank and guide it in its withdrawal. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Sganga and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 41627