James William O’Toole

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James William O’Toole (566207), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Machine Gunner in Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Seoul, Korea, on 24 September 1950. Participating in an attack against 500 to 700 of the enemy heavily entrenched in well-camouflaged foxholes, Private First Class O’Toole courageously manned his gun until he was severely wounded in the back and removed for first aid treatment. Fully aware of the overwhelming opposition and the shortage of men in his company, he refused to be evacuated and, despite attempts to relieve him, gallantly returned to his gun and continued to fire until fatally wounded. His unselfish and determined actions and loyal devotion to duty were contributing factors in the successful attainment of his company’s objective, thereby reflecting the highest credit on Private First Class O’Toole and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.