Other Conflicts - Navy Cross - 2nd Nicaraguan Campaign
Listed below are the recipients of the Navy Cross awarded for valor during the 2nd Nicaraguan Campaign, 1927-1933.
2nd Nicaraguan Campaign (1927 - 1933) - 113
* Indicates Killed in Action (KIA), Missing in Action (MIA), Prisoner of War (POW), or Died Non-Battle (DNB)
US Navy
AUSTIN, CHARLES
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Charles Morrison Austin, United States Navy, for distinguished service to the Government in a position of responsibility in Command of the Chinandega Detachment of the landing forces in Nicaragua, in the Spring of 1927, during the progress of an insurrection in that country. Largely through his excellent judgment, tact, patience and ability, good order was maintained and disarmament accomplished within his district without bloodshed. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Knoxville, Tennessee
CARPENTER, CHARLES L.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Charles Lorain Carpenter (NSN: 0-60331), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty during an insurrection in Nicaragua. Ensign Carpenter was a member of the Leon detachment of the landing force and on 17 May 1927, while attempting to arrest and disarm an ex-rebel soldier after having been twice fired on, and at the time being surrounded by a crowd who egged on his aggressor, he in self defense shot and killed the soldier in question, thereby producing a most salutary effect on the population. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Greensburgh, Pennsylvania
DAVIS, BRYTHON P.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander (MC) Brython P. Davis, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Field Hospital at Managua, Nicaragua, and as Brigade Surgeon, Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Republic of Nicaragua from 24 February 1929 to 25 April 1930. In all his duties, Lieutenant Commander Davis displayed marked executive and professional ability, judgment and tact, and was untiring in his ministrations to the military as well as the civilian population. His efforts not only resulted in the Brigade being kept in a high state of physical effectiveness but he rendered great assistance to the Nicaraguan Government in the capacity of an advisor in matters pertaining to sanitation, and particularly at a time when an epidemic of smallpox was threatened. His ministrations and advice were of great assistance to the furtherance of friendly relations between the United States and the Nicaraguan people.
Home Town: Mill Valley, California
LYNCH, THOMAS MARVIN
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Pharmacist's Mate Thomas Marvin Lynch, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while a member of a patrol of Guardia Nacional in contact with a bandit group at Punta Rieles, Nicaragua, on 26 December 1932. The patrol while on a train proceeding to El Sauce, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits and suffered losses in killed and wounded. Chief Pharmacist's Mate Lynch attended the wounded, placed them under cover, and personally carried one of the wounded Guardias from the firing line to a place of safety, all at the risk of his life under heavy fire, after which he continuously exposed himself while carrying ammunition to the firing line until the engagement ended. His conduct during the entire combat was outstanding, beyond the call of duty and was of the greatest assistance in bringing the action to a successful conclusion.
MCEWAN, LINN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Linn H. McEwan, United States Navy, for having distinguished himself by a display of extraordinary heroism, coolness, and excellent judgment in the performance of duty as a Hospital Corpsman with the 57th Company, 2d Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, during an engagement in the vicinity of Bromaderos, Nicaragua, on 27 February 1928. The column on this occasion was attacked by a numerically superior force of armed bandits, and Corpsman McEwan at great risk to his own life under extremely heavy machine gun and rifle fire, crawled from man to man, administered first aid where needed, carried three wounded men to safety, and throughout the entire engagement displayed that quality of courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty.
MINNICK, WILLIAM T.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (MC) William T. Minnick (NSN: 0-6249), United States Navy, for having distinguished himself by a display of extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty as a medical officer attached to a small Marine expedition in an engagement near Quilali, Nicaragua, on 30 December 1927. Although slightly wounded, Lieutenant Minnick without regard for his personal safety, courageously circulated amongst the men and by his prompt attention to the wounded undoubtedly saved the lives of many men. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
O'NEILL, JOHN B.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (MC) John Brooks O'Neill (NSN: 0-39849), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty as Medical Officer attached to a small patrol in an engagement at Sapotillal, Nicaragua, on 9 October 1927. During an attack by a vastly superior force on this occasion, the patrol at the time being engaged in the hazardous task of searching for two missing aviators in close proximity to a bandit stronghold, Lieutenant O'Neill not only, at grave risk to his own life, successfully administered medical aid to the wounded, but courageously and effectively rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
O'NEILL, JOHN B.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (MC) John Brooks O'Neill (NSN: 0-39849), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in the line of his profession while acting as a Medical Officer in the Coco River Expedition in Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, between 4 September, 1928 and 10 October 1928. Lieutenant O'Neill displayed great fortitude and marked ability in administering to the sick and wounded and also distinguished himself as a leader in assisting to overcome the countless obstacles which constantly jeopardized the lives and limbs of every member of the command so that the expedition was enabled to surmount twenty-four extremely and difficult rapids. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
RICHARDSON, WILLIAM N.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William N. Richardson, Jr., United States Navy, for distinguished service to the government in a position of great responsibility in command of a detachment of the landing forces in Nicaragua in the Spring of 1927, during the progress of an insurrection in that country. Largely through his excellent judgment, tact, patience and ability, order was maintained and eventual disarmament accomplished with minimum bloodshed, in the district to which he was assigned. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Quidnunc, Alabama
TOWNSEND, JULIUS C.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Julius Curtis Townsend, United States Navy, for distinguished service to the government in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GALVESTON, which operated in Nicaraguan waters in the Fall of 1926 and the Spring of 1927, Nicaragua then being in a state of insurrection. Largely through his good judgment, tact, patience and ability, good order was maintained and disarmament accomplished in districts ashore assigned to his command without friction and without bloodshed. Captain Townsend's actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Athens, Missouri
WAINWRIGHT, JOHN D.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain John Drayton Wainwright, United States Navy, for distinguished service to the Government of the United States in a duty of responsibility as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CLEVELAND, in Nicaraguan Waters in the Spring of 1927, Nicaragua then being in a state of insurrection. Largely through his good judgment, tact, patience and ability, good order was maintained and disarmament accomplished in districts ashore assigned to his command without friction and without bloodshed. Captain Wainwright's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Wilmington, Delaward
WYMAN, HENRY L.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Henry Lake Wyman, United States Navy, for distinguished service to the government in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DENVER in Nicaraguan waters in the Fall of 1926 and the Spring of 1927, Nicaragua then being in a state of insurrection. Largely through his good judgment, tact, patience and ability, good order was maintained and disarmament accomplished in districts ashore assigned to his command without friction and without bloodshed. Captain Wyman's actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
YOUNG, OLIVER L.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Oliver L. Young (NSN: 0-122210), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism, devotion to duty, and disregard for his own personal safety on 13 May 1928, near Pena Blanca, Nicaragua, when his commanding officer, the late Captain Robert S. Hunter, USMC, was seriously wounded in an engagement with an organized bandit group. Pharmacist's Mate Young went through bandit fire to the aid of the late Captain Hunter, dressed his wounds, while still exposed to fire, and carried him to safety. Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Young's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
US Marine Corps
ARCHER, PERCY F.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Brigade Quartermaster, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 19, 1929 - September 3, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Percy F. Archer, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Brigade Quartermaster, Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the Republic of Nicaragua from 19 April 1929 to 3 September 1930. During his entire service with the Second Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Archer loyally and efficiently carried out the policies of his superiors. By careful planning, initiative and by his untiring energy, Lieutenant Colonel Archer overcame the difficulties presented by bad roads, mountain trails and treacherous streams and with meager facilities for transportation available to him he maintained the supply of the troops in the field at a maximum, thereby rendering valuable service to the Brigade Commander in suppression of insurrection and the maintenance of friendly relations with the Nicaraguan people.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 020-1-3 ACE-jfb (17 December 1930)
Born: at Bel Air, Maryland
Home Town: Bel Air, Maryland
*ARCHIBALD, ROBERT J.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Aircraft Squadrons, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: March 1927 - July 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Robert J. Archibald, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as an aviator attached to the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps operating in the Republic of Nicaragua from March, 1927 to July, 1928. Captain Archibald worked unceasingly under the most trying weather conditions, keeping the material in his charge in order and operating against armed groups of bandits in the vicinity of Nueva Segovia. He assisted and cooperated with the ground forces in every way possible, and by his acts of valor inspired all members of the Brigade.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 021-1&3 ACE-jfb (16 July 1929)
Born: 4/27/1892 at Wheeling, West Virginia
Home Town: Wheeling, West Virginia
*ARON, IRVING W.
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Irving W. Aron, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while a member of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua, on 31 December 1930. The patrol of which he was a member, while on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits, and upon the opening of the bandit fire, Private First Class Aron took up a position alongside the trail and returned the fire. After maintaining his position for about an hour he was seriously wounded in the arm. Without regard for his personal safety and disregarding his wound, he took up the fire with his pistol in his left hand and continued to assist in the defense until he was killed. Private First Class Aron's conduct during this action was of the highest order and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 219757 ACE-jfb
Born: at Brooklyn, New York
Home Town: Brooklyn, New York
ATKINSON, BENJAMIN W.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 3 & 4, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Benjamin W. Atkinson, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a patrol of the Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Eleventh Regiment, operating in the vicinity of Trinidad, Nicaragua, on April third and fourth, 1928. While engaged in a night march upon a mission assigned to investigate reports of bandit activities in the vicinity of Trinidad, the patrol under command of Lieutenant Atkinson, who was with the point of the patrol at the time of the attack, maintained perfect control of his men and directed his patrol with such military ability when subjected to a surprise night attack by a numerically superior forces as to outflank the enemy and after approximately one and one-half hours' engagement put them to rout, thereby displaying excellent judgment, initiative, and soldierly qualities of the highest order.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 030-1-3 ACE-vod (1 June 1932)
Born: at Charleston, South Carolina
Home Town: Charleston, South Carolina
BALLINGER, ERNEST F.
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 3, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Ernest F. Ballinger, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism during an engagement with a numerically superior force of armed bandits at Trinidad, Nicaragua on 3 April 1928, when a group of some thirty bandits hidden in buildings surrounding the plaza surprised the point of which he was a member and, under cover of darkness, concentrated a heavy fire upon it. Disregarding his personal safety and with great courage, Private First Class Ballinger voluntarily covered the advance of the point to an advantageous firing position where he immediately directed a well-aimed fire from his automatic rifle against the bandits.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 201373-1740 ACE-jfb (9 December 1929)
Born: at Boise, Idaho
Home Town: San Diego, California
BEADLE, ELIAS R.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: July 11, 1927 - March 14, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Elias R. Beadle, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Chief of the Guardia National of Nicaragua from 11 July 1927 to 14 March 1929. During this period Lieutenant Colonel Beadle conducted the organization and training of the Guardia with marked skill and sound judgment. The newly organized forces took part in the engagements at Cootal, Telpaneca, Zapotillal and by their efficiency in action demonstrated that Lieutenant Colonel Beadle had successfully accomplished his mission. He distinguished himself by his wise guidance and co-ordination of the activities of the Guardia during the Presidential Election in November 1928.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 059-1-3 ACE-jfb (18 July 1930)
Born: at Alexandria, Virginia
Home Town: Hartford, Connecticut
BERKELEY, RANDOLPH CARTER
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: Spring 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Randolph Carter Berkeley, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service to the government in a duty of responsibility in command of the 11th Regiment in Nicaragua in the Spring of 1927 and later Chief of Staff to the Commanding General, during difficult and important pacification problems in connection with an insurrection in that country. Largely through his zeal, tact, energy and loyalty the successful outcome of operations in the difficult Leon and Chinandega areas was accomplished.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 089-1-3 ACZ-jfb (21 December 1927)
Born: 1/9/1875 at Staunton, Virginia
Home Town: Washington, Washington, D.C.
Other Award: Medal of Honor (Vera Cruz, Mexico)
BLAKE, ROBERT
(Second Award)
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Commander, 2d Battalion, 11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: February 10 - June 30, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Robert Blake, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving in the Northern Area of the Republic of Nicaragua from 10 February to 30 June 1929, successively as Company Commander, Battalion Executive Officer, and Battalion Commander in the Eleventh Regiment, U.S.M.C. As Company Commander and Battalion Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, he was engaged in and led active combat patrols against bandits. During this time he distinguished himself by his personal courage and bravery. His qualities of leadership and ability in the line of his profession were outstanding. As a Battalion Commander, Captain Blake originated and successfully conducted important coordinated active combat operations against bandits in Western Nueva Segovia which were of great value in the suppression of banditry in this area.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 082-1-3 ACE-jfb (19 March 1930)
Born: at Seattle, Washington
Home Town: Berkeley, California
Other Award: Navy Cross (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)
BLEASDALE, VICTOR F.
(Second Award)
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: July 25, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Victor F. Bleasdale, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment while performing advance guard duty on 25 July 1927, in an important expedition into Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, during the progress of an insurrection in that country. As the expedition approached San Fernando, Captain Bleasdale accompanied only by his orderly rode ahead into the town and on being attacked, fearlessly proceeded against tremendous odds and returning the fire held the enemy in check until the arrival of reinforcements. Largely through his prompt, courageous and effective action, serious casualties to the personnel and train of the expedition were averted.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 085-1-3 ACE-jfb (21 December 1927)
Born: at Matamau, Norsewood, New Zealand
Home Town: Janesville, Wisconsin
Other Award: Navy Cross (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)
BROWN, JULIAN P.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: May 12 - 15, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Julian P. Brown, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as a member of a special mission that was organized for the purpose of executing the plan for the disarming of the troops of the Liberal party of the Republic of Nicaragua. The duty was satisfactorily accomplished between the dates of 12 May to 15 May 1927, and in the face of great difficulties in the nature of troops to the number of over two thousand being on the verge of open mutiny at the prospect of delivering their arms, open threats against his life, and having to safeguard a large sum of government money in his safekeeping. By the successful accomplishment of his mission, Captain Brown did much to lessen the severity of the banditry then rife in the country.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0114-1-3 ACE-jfb (18 July 1930)
Born: at Belmont, Massachusetts
Home Town: Belmont, Massachusetts
BRUCE, THOMAS C.
First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: July 16, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas C. Bruce, First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in performance of duty on the occasion of an attack by a vastly superior force on the Marine detachment of which he was a member at Ocotal, Nicaragua, on 16 July 1927, curing the progress of an insurrection in that country. At the beginning of the engagement First Sergeant Bruce placed a Lewis gun in a street swept by machine gun fire and returned the fire until the enemy gun was silenced. Repeatedly during the engagement Sergeant Bruce displayed that high type of courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty, and his actions greatly contributed to the success of the small detachment in holding out against the heaviest odds.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 157341 ACE-jfb (21 December 1927)
Born: at Hopkinton, New York
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
*BUCHANAN, RICHARD B.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: May 16, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Richard B. Buchanan, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in battle when on the occasion of the engagement at Iz-Paz Centre, Nicaragua, 16 May 1927, during an insurrection in that country, he led his platoon into the city in the face of unequal and unfavorable conditions, and taking station at the head of the leading patrol, heedless of personal danger, directed the operations in a cool and effective manner until he received wounds which resulted in his death.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 20125 ACE-jfb (15 November 1927)
Born: at Carbondale, Illinois
Home Town: Norwalk, Connecticut
*BUNN, BENNIE M.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: December 26, 1932
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Bennie M. Bunn, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while a member of a patrol of Guardia Nacional in contact with a bandit group at Punta Rieles, Nicaragua, on 26 December 1932. The patrol while on a train proceeding to El Sauce was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits. Corporal Bunn, in command of the right flank, met an enveloping attack of the heavily reinforced bandit group, armed himself with a Thompson sub-machine gun, and by the effectiveness of his fire, personal bravery, aggressiveness and skillful leadership, repulsed the attack. During the entire engagement his conduct was outstanding, and beyond the ordinary call of duty. His efficient leadership and courageous action contributed largely to the success of the engagement.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 212871 ACE-vpd (25 May 1933)
Born: at Charles City, Iowa
Home Town: Charles City, Iowa
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII)
*BUSH, LAMBERT
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Lambert Bush, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while a member of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua, on 31 December 1930. The patrol of which he was a member, while on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits, and upon the opening of the bandit fire, Private Bush armed with a rifle and grenade discharger, took up a position alongside the trail and returned the fire. During the contact the patrol leader, Sergeant Palrang, was seriously wounded. Without regard for his personal safety, Private Bush crawled over to Sergeant Palrang, and in the face of heavy fire, rendered first aid. He returned to his position and continued to assist in the defense until killed. Private Bush's conduct during this action was of the highest order and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 202423 ACE-jfb
Born: at Bay Minette, Alabama
Home Town: Bay Minette, Alabama
BUTTRICK, JAMES T.
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Commander, 5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: September 25, 1929 - April 18, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to James T. Buttrick, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, 5th Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps, garrisoning the Republic of Nicaragua, from 25 September 1929 to 18 April 1930. Colonel Buttrick was confronted with many perplexing problems as he assumed command of the 5th Regiment immediately following the withdrawal of the 11th Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps, from Nicaragua. All these problems he met with zeal and sound judgment, so disposing the force under his command as to most effectively maintain the friendly relations existing in the more thickly populated districts where quiet already prevailed, and at the same time conducting an active campaign against the insurrectionists who exhibited every indication of vigorously renewing their activities against the Government of Nicaragua and the peace, law and order, then existing in the more remote districts. By his understanding of their natures and fairness in his dealings, Colonel Buttrick instilled in the Native Nicaraguans a confidence which was of inestimable value in maintaining peace, also by his firmness and bold initiative in pursuing vigorously the marauding insurrection groups, he afforded protection to the law abiding citizens in the Segovias and successfully prevented the reorganization of any considerable insurrection force.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0140-1-3 ACE-jfb (18 July 1930)
Born: at Newport, Rhode Island
Home Town: Newport, Rhode Island
CARLSON, EVANS FORDYCE
(First Award)
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: May 16, 1930 - May 1, 1931
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Evans Fordyce Carlson, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while attached to the Guardia Nacional from 16 May 1930 to 1 May 1931. Upon joining the Guardia Nacional, First Lieutenant Carlson was assigned at Jalapa in the bandit area of Nueva Segovia. On 8 July 1930, he received a report that a group of one hundred bandits were looting the town of Portillo. He immediately left with a detachment of sixteen men to gain contact. Four the the men deserted en route but with the remaining twelve men he pushed on and overtook and gained contact with a group of forty bandits, completely routing them, killing two and wounding seven, without any casualties to his detachment. Arms, ammunition, equipment and clothing looted from the town of Portillo were recaptured. Lieutenant Carlson maintained his district in a most excellent manner and by his activities and well-directed operations kept it singularly free from banditry.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 03613-1-3 ACK-vp (1 October 1931)
Born: 2/26/1896 at Sidney, New York
Home Town: Sidney, New York
Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (WWII), 2nd Gold Star (WWII)
CHALLACOMBE, ARTHUR D.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: May 12 - 15, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Arthur D. Challacombe, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as a member of a special mission that was organized for the purpose of executing the plan for the disarming of the troops of the Liberal party of the Republic of Nicaragua. The duty was satisfactorily accomplished between 12 May to 18 May 1927, and in the face of great difficulties in the nature of troops to the number of over two thousand being on the verge of open mutiny at the prospect of delivering their arms, open threats against his life, and having to safeguard a large sum of government money in his safekeeping. By the successful accomplishment of his mission, Captain Challacombe did much to lessen the severity of the banditry then rife in the country.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0157-1-3 ACE-jfb (18 July 1930)
Born: at Medora, Illinois
Home Town: Everett, Washington
CHAPPELL, CLARENCE J.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Aircraft Squadrons, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: November 6, 1927 - November 8, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Clarence J. Chappell, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as an airplane pilot attached to the Aircraft Squadrons, Second Brigade, U.S.M.C., operating against hostile bandit forces in the Republic of Nicaragua from 6 November 1927 to 8 November 1928. During this period First Lieutenant Chappell performed 350 hours of flying time over heavily wooded and mountainous country occupied by bandit forces and in fair weather and foul. He made many contacts with bandit forces and promptly and courageously returned the rifle and machine gun fire directed at him. His services in Nicaragua were marked by the display of skill and devotion to duty of a high order.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 03872-1-3 ACE-rls (16 April 1930)
Born: at Macon, Georgia
Home Town: Macon, Georgia
CLARK, CECIL H.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: February 24, 1932
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Cecil H. Clark, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a patrol of seventeen enlisted men of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, 24 February 1932, operating in the vicinity of Caracol, Department of Leon, Nicaragua. Corporal Clark and his patrol of seventeen men, while proceeding in formation on a densely overgrown trail, through a defile, were suddenly attacked from three sides by a group of bandits under the bandit Jefes Salgado and Umanzor, estimated at two hundred and fifty, armed with automatic weapons, rifles and dynamite bombs. The first burst of bandit fire killed one Guardia and wounded two others and killed the mule upon which Clark was mounted. A dynamite bomb, which exploded a the same time, stunned and temporarily put Clark out of action. After being revived by one of his Guardia, Clark reorganized his patrol, placed it in the best available positions and took up the fire fight. His patrol at this time had become completely surrounded. Clark then took a detachment of six men and personally leading them, he using a Thompson sub-machine gun, charged up one of the flanking hills through the brush in the face of automatic and rifle fire and drove the bandits from their key position. He reformed his patrol in the new position and continued the fight. After two hours of fighting, and by skillful maneuvering under fire, Clark and his patrol completely routed the bandit group and scattered elements of it in all directions, inflicting a loss of eight known killed and many wounded while suffering themselves only two more wounded. Corporal Clark by his display of heroism, leadership and skillful judgment turned what might have been a disaster into a brilliant success.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 214460 ACB-vpd (1 June 1932)
Born: at Hillsdale, Michigan
Home Town: Kalkaska, Michigan
COBB, JOHN M.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: June 7 & August 6 & 15, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John M. Cobb, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, while commanding a Nicaraguan National Guard Patrol. Corporal John M. Cobb, U.S.M.C., on 7 June 1930, engaged and routed a superior force of about fifty armed bandits at Mancallon, killing five of them. On 6 August 1930, Corporal Cobb, acting as second in command of a patrol, contributed greatly to the complete routing of a superior force of about forty-five armed bandits at Nance Dulce, which resulted in killing six of the enemy; on 15 August 1930 a patrol under his command routed a superior force of about twenty armed bandits at Los Carbonales killing two and wounding four of them. By his intelligent and forceful leadership, without thought of his personal safety or loss to his command, Corporal Cobb dealt two successive and severe blows and materially assisted in delivering another against organized banditry in the Republic of Nicaragua.
Born: at Albany, New York
Home Town: Pasadena, California
DARRAH, CLYDE R.
First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
9th Company, Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: April 11 & 12, 1931
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Clyde R. Darrah, First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a patrol of the Guardia Nacional, operating in the vicinity of Moss Farm, Nicaragua, on April 11 - 12, 1931. Having succeeded to the command of the 9th Company, Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, at Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, by the death of his commanding officer, Captain Harlen Pefley, U.S. Marine Corps, killed in combat on 11 April 1931, First Sergeant Darrah proceeded immediately thereafter by special train in command of a combat patrol of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua to Moss Farm, where he aggressively attacked the main body of the well-armed, thoroughly organized and numerically superior bandit force, which was then engaged in ruthlessly burning property and mercilessly killing non-combatants, in their march on Puerto Cabezas, under the personal leadership of Pedro Blandon, the Sandino-appointed jefe of the Atlantic coast bandit expedition. After twenty-four hours of engagement with the enemy, First Sergeant Darrah so skillfully and efficiently interposed his force between the bandit groups, on their route of march, and Puerto Cabezas, that the threatened invasion was halted and the bandits were compelled to fall back to the north and retire to Logtown. On the following day, 13 April 1931, First Sergeant Darrah, in an outstanding display of military leadership, courage, coolness under fire, prompt execution of the orders of his commanding officer during combat at close quarters, and by personally inflicting severe losses on the enemy with machine gun fire in the battle of Logtown, contributed in the greatest degree to the complete defeat of the bandits and to the death of the notorious bandit jefe, Pedro Blandon.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 175075 ACE-jfb (17 July 1931)
Born: at Springfield, Illinois
Home Town: Springfield, Illinois
DAVIS, CHESTER A.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: March 28, 1928 - June 30, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Chester A. Davis, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession during continuous active service with the Guardia Nacional of the Republic of Nicaragua of the Republic of Nicaragua and Eleventh Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps in the Northern Area of Nicaragua between 28 March 1928 and 30 June 1929. Sergeant Davis participated in and distinguished himself by his gallantry on many combined Marine and Guardia patrols. Later, while in command of a unit of Guardia troops at San Juan de Telpaneca which was a heavily bandit infested coffee section, he so vigorously carried on active operations against bandits as to enable the peaceful inhabitants to harvest their coffee crop and market it without being molested. During this period he was ambushed by a vastly superior force of bandits. By a display of extraordinary courage and remarkable qualities of leadership he successfully led his troops in an assault on the bandit position, defeating and routing them.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 213770 ACE-rls (16 April 1930)
Born: at Salem, Massachusetts
Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts
EADENS, ALVA
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Service Company, 5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: September 19, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Alva Eadens, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness under fire and excellent judgment in the performance of duty in an engagement at Telpaneca, Nicaragua, on 19 September 1927. Sergeant Eadens, as section sergeant in charge of twenty Marines of the garrison at Telpaneca on this occasion, repeatedly exposed himself to grave danger in order to provide ammunition where needed, directed the fire with telling effect, and by his conduct was an important factor in repulsing the attack.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 79577 ACE-jfb (9 May 1928)
Born: at Bowling Green, Kentucky
Home Town: Riverside, Kentucky
EDSON, MERRITT AUSTIN
(First Award)
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: August 7, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Merritt Austin Edson, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism on 7 August 1928, while in command of a Marine patrol on the Coco River, en route to Poteca. Captain Edson upon encountering a force of bandits entrenched upon both sides of the river, personally led his advance guard against the enemy, engaging in hand-to-hand conflict with them, and by his exhibition of coolness, intrepidity, and dash, so inspired his men that the superior force of bandits were driven from their prepared position, and severe losses inflicted upon them.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0257-1-3 ACE-jfb (3 December 1928)
Born: 4/25/1897 at Rutland, Vermont
Home Town: Burlington, Vermont
Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWII), Navy Cross w/Gold Star (WWII)
*ELLIOTT, EDWARD E.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Edward E. Elliott, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while a member of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua, on 31 December 1930. The patrol of which he was a member, while on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits, and upon the opening of the bandit fire, Private Elliott, armed with a rifle, took up a position alongside the trail and returned fire. Upon the death of another member of the patrol, who was armed with an automatic weapon, Private Elliott, without regard for his personal safety, crawled over to his position, in the face of heavy fire, recovered the automatic weapon and though wounded shortly thereafter, continued firing until he was killed. Private Elliott's conduct during this action was of the highest order and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 227463 ACE-jfb (18 April 1931)
Born: at Des Moines, Iowa
Home Town: Des Moines, Iowa
ERPELDING, GEORGE H.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: August 23, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to George H. Erpelding, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as a member of a Marine patrol under fire, in contact with Nicaraguan bandits on 23 August 1930, near Ducuelite, Nicaragua. In spite of three wounds in his left hand and left arm, which he received at the beginning of the contact, Private Erpelding promptly went into action with a Thompson sub-machine gun and continued firing, disregarding his wounds until there was a lull in the bandits' firing. After receiving first aid he again promptly resumed firing with his Thompson sub-machine gun, continuing in action and assisting in the pursuit until the skirmish was entirely over.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 223901 ACE-jfb (17 December 1930)
Born: at Kellogg, Minnesota
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
FLOYD, OLIVER
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: July 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Oliver Floyd, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service to the Government in a duty of responsibility in organizing and commanding an important and hazardous expedition, during an insurrection in Nicaragua in July 1927, through 300 miles of hostile territory of extremely difficult terrain into the dangerous section of Nueva Segovia. Largely through his unusual ability, courage, judgment and excellent leadership hostile bandit forces were successfully engaged, and law and order rapidly restored in a region rife with banditry and disorder.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0300-1-3 ACE-jfs (21 December 1927)
Born: at South Perry, Ohio
Home Town: North Hollywood, California
GALE, EUGENE B.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: June 6, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Eugene B. Gale, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession under fire while operating with the Guardia Nacional patrol in contact with a bandit group near Tamarindo, Nicaragua on 6 June 1930. When the patrol opened fire it was immediately returned by the bandits from the left-rear, left and front. The bandits were in a position on a ridge above the patrol A firing line was formed to the left flank and the Guardia patrol moved slowly up and to the right. The movement was held up by an automatic weapon back of a stump in front of some shacks to the right of the firing line. At this point Private Gale, armed with a Browning Automatic Rifle, at great personal risk, crept forward and to the right until he was within thirty feet and slightly to the right of the stump. Then, with utter disregard to his personal safety, he raised himself on one knee and fired a burst into the bandit gunner, killing him. Private Gale's conduct during this action was of the highest order.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 217263 ACE-jfb (17 December 1930)
Born: at Lake County, Illinois
Home Town: Fort Wayne, Indiana
GAYER, HARRY
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 7, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harry Gayer, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as the commander of a small detachment of the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the vicinity of the Santa Rita Mountains, Nicaragua on December 7, 1928. On learning that a large bandit force had laid an ambush for our forces, Sergeant Gayer proceeded over very rough country to the spot and disposed his men with such acumen and strategy that the bandits were taken entirely by surprise. In the ensuing engagement his leadership, courage and skill were of such high order that the bandits were eventually dispersed after a stubborn and well-planned resistance. So effective were his dispositions and so skillfully was the attack executed that the bandits suffered two killed and eight wounded in addition to losing many animals and a large supply of stores and ammunition while there were no Marine casualties.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 197943-1740 ACE-jfb (10 December 1929)
Born: at Newark, New Jersey
Home Town: National City, California
GEYER, PETER C.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
1st Battalion, 11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 1, 1928 - June 30, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Peter C. Geyer, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while continuously in the Northern Area from 1 April 1928 to 30 June 1929, successively as Battalion Executive Officer, Battalion Commander, and Intelligence Officer of the Eleventh Regiment and Northern Area. As Battalion Executive Officer under Major Rockey of the First Battalion, Eleventh Regiment, Captain Geyer was constantly engaged in and led active combat patrols against bandits. He later commanded an independent patrol designated to move down the Coco river, known as the Coco River Expedition. During this operation he showed the highest qualities of courage, leadership and ability. The expedition involved the crossing of forty-seven rapids, and he actually did succeed in crossing twenty- four rapids. The river at the time was in flood and there was hardly a moment when members of this unit were not in jeopardy of their lives. The expedition was finally called off by higher authority, due to a realization that Captain Geyer had been given an impossible task to perform. As Battalion Commander, Captain Geyer originated and successfully conducted most important active combat operations against bandits in Eastern Segovia, which unquestionably were of the greatest value in the suppression of banditry in this area.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0335-1-3 ACE-jfb (25 October 1930)
Born: at Antwerp, Belgium
Home Town: New York, New York
GOULD, MOSES J.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 30, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Moses J. Gould, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty in an engagement near Quilali, Nicaragua, on 30 December 1927. Although slightly wounded himself, Lieutenant Gould, upon the serious injury of his Commanding Officer, immediately assumed command, and with great personal courage, determination and skill directed the operations and brought the engagement to a successful conclusion.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0347-1 ACE-jfb (9 May 1928)
Born: at Grodna, Russia
Home Town: Brooklyn, New York
GRAY, EARL T.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: May 22 - 26, 1932
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Earl T. Gray, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Lieutenant (Radio) Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, stationed at Neptune Mine, Department of Prinzapolos during the bandit concentration and attacks against the mine from 22 May to 26 May 1932, by bandit chief Pedron Altamirano and his group of three hundred and fifty bandits. Corporal Gray assumed command of the Guardias and armed civilians stationed at the mine and by promptly taking the offensive and fearlessly and repeatedly seeking contact with the bandits, disorganized them and prevented them from concentrating for a mass attack, thereby saving the mine from capture and sack. During the operations Corporal Gray personally led several patrols out from the mine, two resulting in contacts in which hand-to-hand fighting occurred. So skillfully and boldly did he lead these patrols that vastly superior forces, well-armed with automatic weapons, rifles and bombs, were decisively defeated with heavy losses. The personal bravery, skillful leadership and constant aggressiveness displayed by Corporal Gray were the direct causes for the decisive defeat and utter rout of this superior bandit force, which suffered seventeen known killed and more than twice that number wounded with only minor injuries to several members of his own command, and the saving of the only valuable piece of mining property of Eastern Nicaragua.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 214651 ACE-vpd (2 November 1932)
Born: at Indianapolis, Indiana
Home Town: Kurtz, Indiana
GULICK, LOUIS M.
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: Spring 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Louis M. Gulick, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service to the Government in a duty of responsibility in command of the Fifth Regiment during difficult and important pacification operations in connection with an insurrection in Nicaragua in the Spring of 1927. Largely due to his zeal, loyalty and ability the successful outcome of these operations was assured.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0264-1-3 ACE-jfb (21 December 1927)
Born: at Italy Home Town: Washington, Washington, D.C.
GUYMON, VERNON M.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Aircraft Squadrons, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1927 - May 26, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Vernon M. Guymon, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as an airplane pilot attached to the Aircraft Squadrons, Second Brigade, U.S.M.C., operating against hostile bandits in the Republic of Nicaragua from 31 December 1927 to 26 May 1929. During this period First Lieutenant Guymon performed 1021 hours of flying time over heavily wooded and mountainous country in fair weather and foul for the purpose of bringing supplies to and removing the sick and wounded from distant and isolated outposts. When contact was made with bandit forces that occupied this part of the country he displayed commendable courage and zeal in promptly and effectively returning their fire.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 02472-1-3 ACE-rls (16 April 1930)
Born: at Rexburg, Idaho
Home Town: Murray, Utah
HAKALA, EDWIN U.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: December 11, 1928 - June 30, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Edwin U. Hakala, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement, zeal untiring and most successful efforts during active service in the Northern Area of the Republic of Nicaragua from 11 December 1928 until 30 June 1929. In command of a combined Marine and Nicaraguan Voluntario combat patrol First Lieutenant Hakala had many successful contact with the bandits, during which he distinguished himself by his gallantry. His courage and ability are exceptional and his operations against bandits were of great value in the suppression of banditry in this area.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 02477-1-3 ACE-jfb (19 March 1930)
Born: at Calumet, Michigan
Home Town: Detroit, Michigan
HAMAS, JOHN
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: April 23 - 26, 1932
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John Hamas, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of Guardia patrols operating from 23 to 26 April 1932, in the vicinity of Guambuco Mountain near the border between Nicaragua and Honduras. On April 23, 1932, gunnery Sergeant Hamas, in command of a patrol of four officers and forty enlisted men, attacked a bandit group of one hundred under leader Carlos Salgado in an entrenched position. Gunnery Sergeant Hamas personally led the assault which resulted in the bandits being driven from their position, with a loss of two killed and several wounded, and the capture of a large amount of food supplies, equipment, correspondence and ammunition. Hamas quickly reorganized his new position and, during the following few hours, successfully repulsed three determined counter-attacks by the bandits. On 26 April 1932, Gunnery Sergeant Hamas, in command of a patrol of five officers and forty-five enlisted men, again greatly outnumbered, personally led his patrol in assault against what is believed to have been the main camp and entrenched stronghold of the bandit leader Sandino, which at the time was manned by a force of approximately two hundred and fifty bandits lead by Sandino in person. Throughout the ensuing three hour fight, Hamas, with utter disregard for his personal safety, directed the fire fight of the entire firing line, and by his courage, leadership and sound tactical judgment, enabled his patrol to capture the stronghold, together with quantities of food supplies, clothing and ammunition, and to inflict casualties of ten killed and twenty-one wounded upon the bandits, with the loss of but one wounded.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 178999 ACE-ees (29 July 1932)
Born: at Czechoslovakia Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
HANNEKEN, HERMAN HENRY
(Second Award)
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: December 11, 1928 - June 30, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Herman Henry Hanneken, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement, zeal untiring and most successful efforts during active service in the Northern Area of the Republic of Nicaragua from 11 December 1928 until 30 June 1929. In command of a combined Marine and Nicaraguan Voluntario combat patrol First Lieutenant Hanneken had many successful contacts with the bandits during which he distinguished himself by his gallantry. His courage and ability are exceptional and his operations against bandits were of great value in the suppression of banditry in this area.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0392-1-3 ACE-jfb (19 March 1930)
Born: 6/23/1893 at St. Louis, Missouri
Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri
Other Award: Medal of Honor (1st Haitian), Navy Cross (1st Haitian)
*HARBAUGH, JOSEPH A.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph A. Harbaugh, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while a member of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua, on 31 December 1930. the patrol of which Private Harbaugh was a member, while on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits, and upon the opening of the bandit fire, Private Harbaugh took up a position alongside the trail and returned fire. He was wounded seriously during the course of the action, but without regard for his personal safety and in spite of his wounds he continued to operate his automatic weapon to the best of his ability until he was killed. Private Harbaugh's conduct during this action was of the highest order and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 227822 ACE-jfb (18 April 1931)
Born: at Washington County, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Oil City, Pennsylvania
HATFIELD, GILBERT D.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: July 16, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Gilbert D. Hatfield, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty combined with coolness and excellent judgment during an attack by a superior force upon the detachment of which he was in command at Ocotal, Nicaragua, on 16 July 1927, during the progress of an insurrection in that country. Largely due to his heroism, skill and ability, Captain Hatfield's small command succeeded in holding out against the heaviest odds.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0411-1-3 ACE-jfb (21 December 1927)
Born: at Monero, New Mexico
Home Town: Aztec, New Mexico
HOLMES, MAURICE G.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: December 6, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Maurice G. Holmes, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary bravery, coolness and leadership on 6 December 1928, while in command of a small force of Marines engaged in a patrol in the vicinity of Cujelita, Nicaragua. The patrol was attacked by a well-armed force of bandits when it was about to halt for breakfast and although the patrol was completely surrounded and outnumbered four-to-one, Captain Holmes, by his leadership, courage and skill, so conducted the engagement and so inspired the men of his command that the bandits were dispersed after a stubborn and well- planned resistance.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0441 (10 May 1929)
Born: at Chesterville, Mississippi
Home Town: Pontatoc, Mississippi
*HUNTER, ROBERT S.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: May 14, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Robert S. Hunter, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in battle when on the occasion of an engagement with armed bandits in the vicinity of Pena Blanca, Nicaragua, 14 May 1928, Captain Hunter carried a machine gun forward to a position from which to deliver an accurate and active fire on the enemy. Although receiving wounds at this time which later resulted in his death, Captain Hunter continued in the fight to the last, displaying the type of grit, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty.
Born: at Langley, Kansas
Home Town: Carneiro, Kansas
HUTCHERSON, MACK
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Mack Hutcherson, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession under fire while a member of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua on 31 December 1930. the patrol, while on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits and upon the opening of the bandit fire Private Hutcherson, armed with a Browning Automatic Rifle, took up a position alongside the trail and returned the fire. During the course of the action he was severely wounded in the shoulder, which rendered him unable to support the weight of the Browning. Another member of the patrol gave him a Sub-Thompson. Without regard for his personal safety and in spite of his wounds, Private Hutcherson continued to operate his piece throughout the engagement which lasted for about two and a half hours. His conduct during this action was of the highest order and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 224125 ACE-jfb
Born: at Zwolle, Louisiana
Home Town: Shreveport, Louisiana
JACK, SAMUEL S.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Aircraft Squadrons, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 12 & 13, 1931
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Samuel S. Jack, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as aviator while attached to the Second Marine Brigade operating in the Republic of Nicaragua. On 12 April 1931, Lieutenant Jack in the face of machine gun and rifle fire from bandits, located and most effectively bombed a bandit camp near Moss Farm, Nicaragua. On 13 April 1931, he assisted in effecting a crossing of the Snaki Bridge by ground patrol and thereafter located a bandit camp at Logtown; this information he delivered to the ground patrol which he guided to the scene, meanwhile, at great personal risk, effectively harassing the enemy and pinning him to the ground with machine gun fire until arrival of the patrol. The ensuing engagement resulted in the death of the notorious Sandino jefe, Pedro Blandon, on of the most brilliant successes in the Nicaraguan campaign.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 04252-1-3 ACE-vpd (1 June 1932)
Born: at Flagstaff, Arizona
Home Town: Glendale, Arizona
JACKSON, FRANK A.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Frank A. Jackson, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession under fire while a member of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua, on 31 December 1930. The patrol, while on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits, and upon the opening of the bandit fire Private Jackson took up a position alongside the trail and returned the fire. He was wounded twice during the course of the action, but without regard for his personal safety and in spite of his wounds, he continued to operate his piece throughout the engagement which lasted for about two and a half hours. His conduct during this action was of the highest order and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 228213 ACE-jfb
Born: at Norcross, Georgia
Home Town: Lawrenceville, Georgia
*JACKSON, MARVIN A.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: May 16, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Marvin A. Jackson, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in battle when on the occasion of the engagement at Iz-Paz Centre, Nicaragua, 16 May 1927, during an insurrection in that country, Private Jackson advanced with other members of his patrol in the face of most unequal and unfavorable conditions and, heedless of great personal danger, fought in a cool and effective manner until he received wounds which resulted in his death.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 201478 ACE-jfb (15 November 1927)
Born: at Jacksonville, Florida
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
KEIMLING, HERBERT S.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: September 19, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Herbert S. Keimling, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty in an engagement at Telpaneca, Nicaragua, on 19 September 1927, and again by his conspicuous gallantry during subsequent engagements at Matanaza, La Cruz and Laguna. Lieutenant Keimling throughout displayed that high type of courage and skill which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0498-1 ACE-jfb (9 May 1928)
Born: at New York, New York
Home Town: New York, New York
KERNS, PAUL
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: November 9 - 15, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Paul Kerns, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while attached to the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, for assuming command of a Guardia patrol engaged in an attack on a vastly superior force of bandits under Israel Peralta. When the Patrol Commander was mortally wounded and one enlisted Guardia wounded, Sergeant Kerns skillfully and courageously continued the attack till nightfall, forcing the bandits to withdraw. In an unknown tropical jungle, out of communication with Department or Area Headquarters, far beyond the reach of any supporting troops, without food and but little ammunition, he remained with his wounded comrade for twenty-four hours making heroic efforts to prolong the life of his Commanding Officer until the arrival of professional medical aid. The patrol was without food for three days when relief was received in the form of an aeroplane drop of food and medicine. The action of Sergeant Kerns in continuing the combat to a victorious conclusion against vastly superior forces saved the day for the Guardia, wiped out the stigma of the loss of Matiguas and had a lasting effect on the morale of the Guardia and the civil population of the Central Area. His action in remaining in a dangerous situation in the hope of saving the life of his Commanding Officer and caring for and carrying back the Guardia Corporal are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 149722 ACE-vp (2 December 1931)
Born: 1/10/1901 at Curwensville, Pennsylvania
Home Town: St. Ignatius, Montana
KILCOURSE, THOMAS J.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 30, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas J. Kilcourse, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty in an engagement near Quilali, Nicaragua on 30 December 1927. Lieutenant Kilcourse, by his great personal courage, skill and high quality of leadership contributed largely to the success of his detachment in this engagement.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: (9 May 1928)
Born: at New York, New York
Home Town: Washington, Washington, D.C.
*KOSIERADZKI, FRANK
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Frank Kosieradzki, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession under fire while a member of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua, on 31 December 1930. The patrol, while on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits, and upon the opening of the bandit fire, Private Kosieradzki took up a position alongside the trail and returned the fire with his automatic weapon. Although wounded severely after the action had been under way for about half an hour, without regard for his personal safety, Private Kosieradzki continued to operate his piece until he was killed. Private Kosieradzki's conduct during the engagement was of the highest order and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 223688 ACE-jfb
Born: at Buffalo, New York
Home Town: Buffalo, New York
LARSEN, HENRY L.
(Second Award)
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
Brigade Inspector, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 1, 1928 - March 26, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Henry L. Larsen, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Brigade Inspector, Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, in Nicaragua from 1 April 1928 to 26 March 1929. Major Larsen's duties in upbuilding and maintaining the morale of the forces, then engaged in a most difficult mission, were performed in a highly distinguished manner, always displaying zeal, activity, thorough understanding and discretion. His successful performance of these duties contributed greatly to the accomplishment of the mission of the naval forces engaged in the pacification of Nicaragua.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0540-1-3 ACE-jfb (14 April 1931)
Born: at Chicago, Illinois
Home Town: Littleton, Colorado
Other Award: Navy Cross (WWI)
LEE, WILLIAM A.
(First Award)
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: March 20 - August 19, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William A. Lee, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as second in command of Nicaraguan National guard Patrols. Gunnery Sergeant William A. Lee, U.S.M.C., participated in six successive engagements against superior numbers of armed bandit forces; namely, at Monte Cristo on 20 March 1930, at Buena Vista on 27 March 1930, at Los Cedros on 6 June 1930, at Moncotal on 22 July 1930, at Guapinol on 25 July 1930, and at Malacate on 19 August 1930, with the result that the enemy in each engagement was completely routed with total losses of ten killed and many wounded. By his loyalty and obedience in carrying out intelligently and forcefully the plans and instructions of his superiors without thought of his own personal safety, by extreme physical exertion, suffering many hardships, Sergeant Lee assisted in surmounting all obstacles in inflicting six successive and severe defeats upon organized bandit forces in the Republic of Nicaragua.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0240-3-118214 ACE-jfb (17 November 1930)
Born: at Ward Hill, Massachusetts
Home Town: Ward Hill, Massachusetts
Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (2nd Nicaragua), 2nd Gold Star (2nd Nicaragua)
LEE, WILLIAM A.
(Second Award)
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: December 11 - 20, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William A. Lee, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while in command of a Guardia patrol from 11 December to 20 December 1930. Gunnery Sergeant Lee displayed great courage and skill as a leader conducting his patrol through hostile country, defeating the bandits in three successive contacts; San Juan, 12 December 1930; Sierra Moreno, 15 December 1930; and Embocaderos, 20 December 1930; twice successfully attacking superior numbers. By their persistence and indomitable courage and skillful leadership of Sergeant Lee, the Guardia broke the morale of the bandits forcing the dispersal of the bandit groups and the abandonment of a foray into the coffee districts south of the Tuma River.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 118214 ACE-jfb (18 April 1931)
Born: at Ward Hill, Massachusetts
Home Town: Ward Hill, Massachusetts
Other Award: Navy Cross (2nd Nicaragua), Navy Cross w/2nd Gold Star (2nd Nicaragua)
LEE, WILLIAM A.
(Third Award)
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: September 20 - October 1, 1932
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William A. Lee, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession and devotion to duty while Second in Command of a Guardia patrol from 20 September to 1 October 1932. This patrol of two officers and forty men penetrated one hundred miles north and east of Jinotega City, Department of Jinotega, Nicaragua, into isolated, mountainous bandit territory with no means of communication and no base nearer than Jinotega City. On 26 September 1932, the patrol was ambushed northeast of Kilande Mountain by an insurgent group of over one hundred and fifty, armed with not less than seven automatic weapons, grenades, bombs, various classes of small arms, and plentifully supplied with ammunition. Gunnery Sergeant Lee was wounded twice and became unconscious in the early stages of combat. After a period of from fifteen to twenty minutes he recovered consciousness, and in spite of his weakened condition, with disregard of his personal safety, he moved the Lewis Machine Gun to a better fire position, used it with destructive effect, resumed his duties as Second in Command, and went forward in the final attack on the enemy position. The additional fire power of the Lewis Machine Gun from its new position as well as the leadership and example set by Gunnery Sergeant Lee were largely instrumental in gaining a signal victory over the enemy.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 118214 ACE-vpd (20 March 1933)
Born: at Ward Hill, Massachusetts
Home Town: Ward Hill, Massachusetts
Other Award: Navy Cross (2nd Nicaragua), Navy Cross w/Gold Star (2nd Nicaragua)
LESTER, HERBERT DEE
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 30, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Herbert Dee Lester, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty in an engagement near Quilali, Nicaragua, on 30 December 1927. Private Lester on this occasion conducted an ammunition mule to the front bearing ammunition for the advance guard, and in spite of a devastating hostile fire, unloaded the mule, set up a machine gun, and coolly and courageously directed his fire to the utmost advantage.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 202090 ACE-jfb (9 May 1928)
Born: at Rose Hill, Kentucky
Home Town: Rose Hill, Kentucky
LETCHER, JOHN S.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 10, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John S. Letcher, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as the commander of a patrol of the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the vicinity of Palacaguina, Nicaragua, on December 10, 1928. After his patrol had been ambushed by bandit forces and his horse had been shot from under him by machine gun fire, Second Lieutenant Letcher immediately deployed his patrol and launched a vigorous attack against the bandit machine gun emplacement. So well was the attack executed the position was quickly taken and the bandits dispersed. By his aggressiveness and excellent leadership and by his display of bravery and coolness, Second Lieutenant Letcher terminated what might have resulted in a protracted engagement.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 04282-1-3 1740 ACE-rls (7 December 1929)
Born: at Lexington, Virginia
Home Town: Lexington, Virginia
LITZ, RICHARD J.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Richard J. Litz, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while a member of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua, on 31 December 1930. The patrol of which he was a member, while on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits, and upon the opening of the bandit fire, Private Litz armed with a Sub- Thompson machine gun took up a position alongside the trail and returned fire. During the course of the action, another member of the patrol armed with a Browning Automatic Rifle was severely wounded in the shoulder and unable to support the weight of the Browning. Private Litz, seeing his condition, moved over to him in the face of heavy fire and exchanged places. He then continued firing with the Browning until he was killed. Private Litz's conduct during this action was of the highest order and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 225146 ACE-jfb
Born: at Smithville, Indiana
Home Town: Indianapolis, Indiana
LIVINGSTON, RICHARD
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 30, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Richard Livingston, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness, and excellent judgment in the performance of duty as Commanding Officer of an expedition out of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, in an engagement near Quilali on 30 December 1927. Although severely wounded in the early stages of the fighting Captain Livingston directed his command with great courage, coolness and skill until his injuries finally forced his retirement.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0564 ACE-jfb (9 May 1928)
Born: at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Palo Alto, California
MACNULTY, WILLIAM K.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
57th Company, 2d Battalion, 11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: February 27, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William K. MacNulty, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a patrol of the 57th Company, 2d Battalion, 11th Regiment, operating in the vicinity of Bromoderos, Nicaragua, on 27 February 1928. Captain MacNulty, while on a mission assigned by his Battalion Commander, upon receiving word that a platoon of the 57th Company had been ambushed by a numerically superior force, immediately upon his own initiative proceeded to the scene, made a night march over unknown, most difficult terrain, in a bandit-infested area. Upon arrival at the spot, Captain MacNulty disposed his patrol with such military ability and strategy as to successfully defeat and put to rout the bandit force, thereby saving the lives of the remaining few of the beleaguered patrol, which were at that time greatly outnumbered.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0587-1-3 ACE-fjb (18 July 1930)
Born: at Antrim, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Willsboro, Pennsylvania
*MCCARTY, JOSEPH A.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph A. McCarty, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession under fire while a member of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua, on 31 December 1930. The patrol, while on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force of bandits, and Private McCarty, who was riding in an exposed position in the point, was wounded by the first burst of fire. Without regard for his personal safety and in spite of his wound, he continued to assist in the defense until he was killed. Private McCarty's conduct during this action was of the highest order and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 212829 ACE-jfb (14 April 1931)
Born: at Chillicothe, Missouri
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri
*MCGHEE, WILLIAM E.
First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: June 15, 1931
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William E. McGhee, First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as second in command of a patrol of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua in contact with a bandit group at Embarcaderos, Nicaragua on 15 June 1931. When attacked by a vastly superior force, First Sergeant McGhee seized a Thompson sub-machine gun and opened fire on the bandits, continuing to operate the gun until he fell mortally wounded and died shortly after. After Sergeant McGhee was wounded and until he died he encouraged his men to carry on and fight and kept praising and urging them on to greater efforts. By his splendid example of devotion to duty, loyalty and heroism the Guardia continued shooting it out with the bandit group, inflicting severe losses of killed and wounded until the Guardia's ammunition was completely exhausted.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 212357-1-3 ACE-vp (1 October 1931)
Born: at Chattanooga, Tennessee
Home Town: Chattanooga, Tennessee
MCHENRY, GEORGE W.
(First Award)
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: February 1, 1928 - May 6, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to George W. McHenry, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Battalion Adjutant and Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Eleventh Regiment, United States Marine corps, operating in the Northern Area of Nicaragua, from about 1 February 1928 to 6 May 1929, a period of approximately sixteen months. Lieutenant McHenry during this period performed his many duties so efficiently, so cheerfully and with the display of such high military qualities as to materially aid in the efficient conduct of operations and the maintenance of a high state of morale among the officers and men. Lieutenant McHenry, while in command of a section of a combined patrol operating in the vicinity of Maylote, Nicaragua, participated on 27 August 1928 in two successful engagements with the bandit group under the leader known as Ortez. This patrol through the determination, perseverance, and leadership of its officers and after a night march and in an exhausted condition, when fired upon from ambush at about 0500, so maneuvered as to outflank the enemy and put him to rout. In vigorously following up the pursuit of the bandit group, the patrol was again ambushed at about 2012 the same day with heavy machine gun fire, rifle fire and bombs. Once more through successful leadership, the display of excellent judgment, initiative, unusual professional ability and soldierly qualities of the highest order, the bandit force was driven from its position. As a result of these engagements, a great amount of bandit supplies and equipment was captured, a bandit supply depot destroyed, and the suppression of banditry along the western and Honduran borders materially aided.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0631-1-3 ACE-vpd (1 June 1932)
Born: at Dana, Illinois
Home Town: Shelbina, Missouri
Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (WWII)
MEADE, JAMES J.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Leon Detachment (Landing Forces), 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: Spring 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to James J. Meade, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service to the Government in a duty of responsibility in command of the Leon detachment of the landing forces in Nicaragua in the Spring of 1927, during the progress of an insurrection in that country. Largely through his excellent judgment, tact, patience and ability, order was restored in this area without conflict for bloodshed.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0644 ACE-jfb (15 November 1927)
Born: at Massachusetts Home Town: Washington, Washington, D.C.
MOORE, EDWARD B.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: January 16, 1928 - March 21, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Edward B. Moore, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession in successfully filling several important duties from 16 January 1928, to 21 March 1930. In February 1928, Captain Moore marched a train of 185 bull carts carrying badly needed supplies for the 11th Regiment from Leon to Condega, through territory infested with bandits and under adverse conditions of weather and road. From September 1928 to March 1929, as Brigade Commissary Officer and as executive assistant to the Brigade Quartermaster his attention to the many details incident to these offices and his initiative and good judgment under difficult conditions contributed materially to the efficient functioning of the Quartermaster organization of the 2nd Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, in Nicaragua. During the period from March 1929 to October 1929, as aide to the President of Nicaragua he rendered valuable help in his skillful and tactful handling of many problems arising between the Moncada Government and the Marine forces and in the maintenance of friendly relations with the Nicaraguan people. From 1 November 1929 to 18 December 1930, as Brigade Adjutant and from 19 December 1929 to 21 March 1930, as Brigade Intelligence Officer he has performed the duties pertaining to these important assignments win a highly satisfactory manner, displaying zeal, tact and sound judgment on all occasions.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0681-1-3 ACE-jfb (18 July 1930)
Born: at Middlepoint, Ohio
Home Town: Los Angeles, California
MOSIER, MELVIN
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: August 7, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Melvin Mosier, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, skill and bravery while commanding a flank patrol on the Coco River near Ililihuas, Nicaragua, on 7 August 1928, in bringing his patrol, under fire, through almost impassable brush to join in an engagement then being fought with bandits. And later, when bringing up the boat transportation of the Coco Patrol to rejoin the main body, the leading boat in which he was stationed, came under hostile fire, and, although seriously wounded, he directed the fire of shore troops against the enemy position so successfully as to cause their withdrawal. His coolness and personal conduct were inspiring to his entire command.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 157109-1740 ACE-fjb (5 February 1929)
Born: at Brownville, Nebraska
Home Town: Bradford, Massachusetts
O'DAY, EDWARD F.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 30, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Edward F. O'Day, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a patrol of the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the province of Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua on April 30, 1928. Upon receipt of information that bandits were located in a house in the vicinity of the town of Quibuto, Lieutenant O'Day proceeded immediately from Dairali with his patrol and due to his promptness, the skillful conduct of the approach march and by his initiative, coolness and sound judgment completely surprised the bandits so that, after a short skirmish, the bandits fled leaving behind two dead, forearms and supplies.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 70375-0723 ACE-fjb (10 December 1929)
Born: at Manchester, New Hampshire
Home Town: Manchester, New Hampshire
O'SHEA, GEORGE J.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: October 9, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to George J. O'Shea, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty in command of a small patrol on the occasion of an engagement at Sapotillal, Nicaragua, on 9 October 1927. although attacked by a vastly superior force while engaged in the hazardous task of searching for two missing aviators in close proximity to a bandit stronghold, Lieutenant O'Shea, by his skill and personal bravery successfully repulsed the attack and withdrew his column in good order.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: (9 May 1928)
Born: at Brooklyn, New York
Home Town: Brooklyn, New York
*PALRANG, ARTHUR M.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 31, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Arthur M. Palrang, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while in charge of a Marine patrol in contact with a bandit group near Achuapa, Nicaragua, on 31 December 1930. Sergeant Palrang's patrol of ten men, on telephone line repair work, was attacked by a vastly superior force, and upon the opening of the bandit fire, the members of the patrol took up positions alongside the trail, and under direction of Sergeant Palrang, immediately returned the fire. By his coolness in the face of great odds, he steadied the fire of his patrol, and continued a well-directed and energetic defense for about a half an hour, when one of the bombs, which were being freely used by the bandits, was thrown into the group in his immediate vicinity. Sergeant Palrang shouted a warning, and at the same instant, without thought for his personal safety, picked up the bomb and attempted to hurl it away from the group.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 166205 ACE-jfb (15 April 1931)
Born: at Boston, Massachusetts
Home Town: Fort Lyon, Colorado
PASCHAL, ARCHIE
Master Technical Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Aircraft Squadrons, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua), East Coast Expeditionary Force
Date of Action: 1929 - 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Archie Paschal, Master Technical Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as an airplane pilot attached to the 2d Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the Republic of Nicaragua. During 1040 hours of flying over mountainous and partly unexplored jungle, Sergeant Paschal displayed great courage and skill in attacks on hostile bandit forces, and in flights through dangerous weather for the purpose of locating and supporting ground patrols. During this service he carried, without mishap, approximately 1700 passengers and 840,000 pounds of freight over terrain where a forced landing would, almost inevitably, have resulted in fatalities.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 169886 ACE-jfb (4 February 1930)
Born: at Glendon, North Carolina
Home Town: Searight, Alabama
PIERCE, FRANCIS E.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Aircraft Squadrons, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: March 19, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Francis E. Pierce, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and coolness under fire while acting as observer in the leading plane of an air patrol during an engagement with outlaws in the vicinity of Murra, Nicaragua, on 19 March 1928. Although painfully wounded early in the fight Captain Pierce with great courage and determination kept his gun in action with telling effect until due to loss of blood, he was removed from the plane in a fainting condition at the nearest emergency flying field.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0765-1-3 ACE-rls (24 July 1928)
Born: at Rochester, New York
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
PIERCE, HAROLD C.
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Battalion, 11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: January 31, 1928 - April 5, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harold C. Pierce, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, 11th Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the Northern Area of the Republic of Nicaragua, from 31 January 1928 to 5 April 1929. Major Pierce displayed great zeal, initiative and sound judgment in his active combat operations against bandits in Western Segovia, during which he personally took the field many times, materially assisting in the suppression of banditry in Nuevo Segovia.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0766-1-3 ACE-jfb (19 March 1930)
Born: at Charlestown, Massachusetts
Home Town: Lexington, Massachusetts
PIPER, EARL S.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: May 13, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Earl S. Piper, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as acting commander of a patrol of the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, during an engagement with bandits at Pena Blanca, Nicaragua on May 13, 1928. During an attack by bandits, and after the commanding officer, the late Captain Robert S. Hunter, U.S. Marine Corps, had been mortally wounded, Second Lieutenant Piper assumed the command of the force and by his display of bravery, coolness and leadership so conducted the engagement that the attacks of the numerically superior and well armed bandit force were repulsed. The bandits finally were dispersed and driven off.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 04260-1-3 1740 ACE-rls (December 7, 1929)
Born: at New London, Mississippi
Home Town: New London, Mississippi
*POWER, LESTER E.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: June 15, 1931
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Lester E. Power, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while in command of a patrol of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, on 15 June 1931. When attacked by vastly superior forces, Lieutenant Power placed his patrol in position to successfully defend itself until its ammunition was exhausted, and after being seriously wounded while attempting to relieve a stoppage in a Browning Automatic Rifle, he continued to encourage the Guardia until he was killed by a burst of machine gun fire. Spurred on by Lieutenant Power's sterling, soldierly qualitation, the Guardia patrol kept up a terrific return of the bandits' fire, inflicting considerable damage to them, including seven dead, until the guardia's ammunition was completely exhausted.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 078013 ACE-vp (1 October 1931)
Born: at Calistoga, California
Home Town: Calistoga, California
PULLER, LEWIS B.
(First Award)
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: February 16 - August 19, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Lewis B. Puller, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his professional while commanding a Nicaraguan National Guard patrol. First Lieutenant Lewis B. Puller, United States Marine Corps, successfully led his forces into five successful engagements against superior numbers of armed bandit forces; namely, at LaVirgen on 16 February 1930, at Los Cedros on 6 June 1930, at Moncotal on 22 July 1930, at Guapinol on 25 July 1930, and at Malacate on 19 August 1930, with the result that the bandits were in each engagement completely routed with losses of nine killed and many wounded. By his intelligent and forceful leadership without thought of his own personal safety, by great physical exertion and by suffering many hardships, Lieutenant Puller surmounted all obstacles and dealt five successive and severe blows against organized banditry in the Republic of Nicaragua.
Born: 6/26/1898 at West Point, Virginia
Home Town: Saluda, Virginia
Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (2nd Nicaragua), 2nd and 3d Gold Star (WWII), 4th Gold Star (Korea), Distinguished Service Cross (Korea)
PULLER, LEWIS B.
(Second Award)
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: September 20 - October 1, 1932
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Lewis B. Puller, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility while in command of a Guardia Patrol from 20 September to 1 October 1932. Lieutenant Puller and his command of forty Guardia and Gunnery Sergeant William A. Lee, United States Marine Corps, serving as a First Lieutenant in the Guardia, penetrated the isolated mountainous bandit territory for a distance of from eighty to one hundred miles north of Jinotega, his nearest base. This patrol was ambushed on 26 September 1932, at a point northeast of Mount Kilambe by an insurgent force of one hundred fifty in a well-prepared position armed with not less than seven automatic weapons and various classes of small arms and well-supplied with ammunition. Early in the combat, Gunnery Sergeant Lee, the Second in Command was seriously wounded and reported as dead. The Guardia immediately behind Lieutenant Puller in the point was killed by the first burst of fire. Lieutenant Puller, with great courage, coolness and display of military judgment, so directed the fire and movement of his men that the enemy were driven first from the high ground on the right of his position, and then by a flanking movement forced from the high ground to the left and finally were scattered in confusion with a loss of ten killed and many wounded by the persistent and well-directed attack of the patrol. The numerous casualties suffered by the enemy and the Guardia losses of two killed and four wounded are indicative of the severity of the enemy resistance. This signal victory in jungle country, with no lines of communication and a hundred miles from any supporting force, was largely due to the indomitable courage and persistence of the patrol commander. Returning with the wounded to Jinotega, the patrol was ambushed twice by superior forces on 30 September. On both of the occasions the enemy was dispersed with severe losses.
Born: 6/26/1898 at West Point, Virginia
Home Town: Saluda, Virginia
Other Award: Navy Cross, 2nd and 3rd Gold Star (WWII), 4th Gold Star (Korea), Distinguished Service Cross (Korea)
RICHAL, MERON A,.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: January 1, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Meron A,. Richal, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness, and excellent judgment in the performance of duty in command of a Marine patrol in an engagement at Las Cruces, Nicaragua, on 1 January 1928. When attacked on this occasion by a vastly superior force, Lieutenant Richal rushed to the advance guard position through a devastating fire, and although shot through the eye in the early stages of the fighting made a heroic effort to direct the fire and action of his command until forcefully taken to the rear where he collapsed.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0823-1 ACE-fjb (9 May 1928)
Born: at Dallas, Wisconsin
Home Town: Seattle, Washington
RIDDERHOF, STANLEY F.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
1st Battalion, 11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 1, 1928 - June 30, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Stanley F. Ridderhof, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession during continuous active service in the Northern area of Nicaragua from 1 April 1928 until 30 June 1929. First Lieutenant Ridderhof participated in and led many combat patrols that had numerous engagements with bandits during which he distinguished himself by his gallantry. On one occasion he led his patrol deep into unexplored territory, capturing and destroying an enemy supply dump containing food and clothing sufficient for one hundred men for one year, thereby inflicting heavy material damages on the bandits. As operations officer of the First Battalion, Eleventh Regiment and later as Adjutant of said regiment, he distinguished himself by his active, continuous and willing service. His display of the qualities of leadership and efficiency in administrative and executive duties were exceptional.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0827-1-3 ACE-jfb (10 December 1929)
Born: at Minneapolis, Minnesota
Home Town: Los Angeles, California
ROBERTS, HAROLD C.
(Second Award)
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: September 4 - November 10, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harold C. Roberts, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while acting as second in command of the Coco River Expedition in Nuevo Segovia, Nicaragua, between 4 September 1928 and 10 November 1928. Captain Roberts displayed great fortitude and marked ability as a leader in surmounting the countless obstacles which constantly jeopardized the lives and limbs of every member of the command and thereby materially assisted in successfully surmounting twenty-four extremely difficult and dangerous rapids.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 03825-1-3 ACE-jfb (27 October 1930)
Born: at Buffalo, New York
Home Town: Buffalo, New York
Other Award: Navy Cross (WWI), Navy Cross w/2nd Gold Star (WWII)
ROCKEY, KELLER EMRICK
(Second Award)
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
1st Battalion, 11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: January 19 - November 11, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Keller Emrick Rockey, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer, First Battalion, Eleventh Regiment, Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the Northern Area of Nicaragua from January 19, 1928 to November 11, 1928. Major Rockey displayed great zeal, initiative and sound judgment in planning and leading many combat patrols against the numerous and active bandit groups infesting the practically unexplored area. His courage, ability and good judgment contributed largely to the successful suppression of banditry in the province of Nuevo Segovia and in the northern area.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0338-1-3 ACE-fjb (11 December 1929)
Born: 9/22/1888 at Columbia City, Indiana
Home Town: Stone Harbor, New Jersey
Other Award: Navy Cross (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)
ROOS, OTTO N.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 30, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Otto N. Roos, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty in charge of the advance guard of a small Marine expedition in an engagement near Quilali, Nicaragua, on 30 December 1927. Sergeant Roos, although surprised by a devastating hostile fire, coolly and judiciously stationed his men to the best advantage, and by his courage and high quality of leadership contributed largely to the success of his detachment in this engagement.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: (9 May 1928)
Born: at Copenhagen, Denmark
Home Town: Washington, Washington, D.C.
ROSSELL, JOSEPH A.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: August - November, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph A. Rossell, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession throughout seventeen months of continuous service in the Northern Area of Nicaragua as Regimental Executive, Eleventh Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps, and Northern Area Executive, during which period he planned and executed various combat missions against bandits at a time when the Area Commander was absent. For having, during the period that he served as Executive, shown particular ability in August 1928, on a repatriation board during which he successfully induced many Nicaraguans to return to their homes from Honduras, and for acting as a member of a commission of reconstruction which did much to restore the confidence of natives of Nicaragua in the good intention of the Nicaraguan Government and the American Government to maintain an effective, just government in the Northern Area. Lieutenant Colonel Rossell displayed great efficiency in performance of his duty connected with the presidential elections in Nicaragua on November 4, 1928.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0847-1-3 ACE-jfb (10 December 1929)
Born: at Elkton, Maryland
Home Town: Wilmington, Delaware
SALZMAN, ELMER H.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: September 28, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Elmer H. Salzman, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a patrol of the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the vicinity of Zapote, Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua on September 28, 1928. Second Lieutenant Salzman's command surprised a greatly superior bandit force under the command of General Salgado by a well planned attack on its rear which resulted in the rout of the bandits. The arrival of the Force of Second Lieutenant Salzman was particularly fortuitous as the bandits had another small patrol of Marines at a great disadvantage and it appeared that they must inevitably suffer a disastrous defeat. Although the bandits outnumbered the combined patrols more than two-to-one, Second Lieutenant Salzman displayed such courage, skill and leadership in conducting the engagement that the bandits were decisively defeated and the beleaguered patrol rescued from its perilous position.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 04074-1-3 1740 ACE-rls (7 December 1929)
Born: at Manitowoo, Wisconsin
Home Town: Kiel, Wisconsin
SCHMIDT, HARRY
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: February 5, 1928 - June 6, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harry Schmidt, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Brigade Intelligence Officer, Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Crops, and in charge of civil relations between the Brigade and the Nicaraguan Government, from February 5 to December 9, 1928, and as Brigade Operations Officer from December 10, 1928 until June 6, 1929. during this entire time the Second Brigade operated in the Republic of Nicaragua for the purpose of protecting life and property and in restoring law and order to the strife-torn country. Despite great obstacles in the way of its successful accomplishment, Major Schmidt built up an effective intelligence service, the work of which was of the greatest value to the Brigade in the planning and execution of its operations. As operations officer his advice to the Brigade Commander as to military operations was marked by initiative, sound judgment and a thorough knowledge of tactics. His performance of duty as Civil Relations Officer was of a high order.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0865-1-3 ACE-fjb (11 December 1929)
Born: at Holdrege, Nebraska
Home Town: Stapleton, Nebraska
SCHONEBERGER, RUSSELL
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: August 7, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Russell Schoneberger, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism on 7 August 1928 in performing a particularly dangerous mission which separated him from his command. Sergeant Schoneberger was left under cover near Ililihuas, Nicaragua for the purpose of effecting the capture of a civilian prisoner after the main body had moved on in order to obtain information of bandit activities. An hour after the departure of the main body he heard the firing which occurred when the Coco Patrol made contact with a group of bandits, whereupon he immediately moved to rejoin the First Platoon of which he was the leader and came under hostile fire resulting in his being wounded. His cheerfulness and coolness of mind was an example to the entire command.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 204886 1740 ACE-jfb (5 February 1929)
Born: at Marietta, Ohio
Home Town: New York, New York
SHEPARD, MILLARD T.
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Aircraft Squadrons, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 4, 1927 - March 25, 1929
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Millard T. Shepard, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession from 4 December 1927 to 25 March 1929 as an airplane pilot attached to the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps operating in Nicaragua. During this period Gunnery Sergeant Millard T. Shepard, U.S. Marine Corps piloted many different types of airplanes engaged in transporting passengers, including sick, wounded, civilians and prisoners, and freight. Flights were made daily over rugged, mountainous and dense tropical jungle country where a forced landing meant almost certain death and often through heavy tropical storms, Gunnery Sergeant Shepard displayed marked skill, ability and devotion to duty as a pilot under the most trying and hazardous conditions as a result of which all of his flights were successfully completed without accident.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 155405 ACE-rls (26 June 1929)
Born: at Cleveland, Ohio
Home Town: Lorain, Ohio
SIMMONS, ORVILLE B.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Aircraft Squadrons, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: July 22, 1931
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Orville B. Simmons, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as an aviator attached to Aircraft Squadrons, Second Marine Brigade, operating in the Republic of Nicaragua. On 22 July 1931, while acting as observer in an aerial patrol on the Coco River in the vicinity of Saclin, Sergeant Simmons (then a Corporal) displayed such coolness, aggressiveness, and accuracy in the handling of a Thompson sub-machine gun against a large group of bandits and against heavy machine gun fire from the ground, during which time his plane was hit at least sixteen times, that several bandits were killed and the machine guns silenced. After his plane had been forced down only a few miles from the site of the combat, Sergeant Simmons, by his willing co-operation, cheerful attitude and resourcefulness under the most discouraging circumstances, greatly aided the pilot of his plane in the march back to Puerto Cabezas over almost impassable terrain, in which five over-flowing rivers and approximately ten miles of swamp had to be traversed. Sergeant Simmons' conduct in the action at Saclin assisted materially the military operations then in progress in Northeastern Nicaragua and contributed to a later successful occupation of Saclin by Guardia patrols
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 210203 ACE-vp (21 March 1932)
Born: at Hamilton, Ohio
Home Town: Hamilton, Ohio
SIMON, ALLEN E.
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: June 10, 1929 - April 11, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Allen E. Simon, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 5th Regiment, 2d Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the Natagalpa-Jinctega district of Nicaragua from 10 June 1929 to 11 April 1930. Major Simon exhibited great zeal, initiative and sound judgment in planning and leading combat patrols against the many and active insurrection groups operating in this highly productive coffee area. Through his knowledge of the terrain, continuous active patrolling, and untiring efforts, Major Simon has afforded the maximum protection to the coffee plantations which are largely owned by foreigners, and has made possible the successful harvesting of the present coffee crop in that district. His courage, ability, and good judgment have contributed in a great degree toward the suppression of insurrection in the Matagalpa-Jinotega district.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0897-1-3 ACE-jfb (18 July 1930)
Born: at Hopewell Borough, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Saxton, Pennsylvania
SMITH, GEORGE C., JR.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: May 13, July 5, & August 6, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to George C. Smith, Jr., Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while commanding a Nicaraguan National Guard Patrol. Corporal George C. Smith, Jr., U.S.M.C., on 13 May 1930, engaged and routed a superior force of about twenty-five armed bandits on Mira Flor Mountains, killing six of them; on 5 July 1930 he ambushed and routed a superior force of about seventy-five armed bandits at El Brasil, killing ten; on 6 August 1930 he engaged and routed a superior force of about forty-five armed bandits at Nance Dulce, killing six. By his intelligent and forceful leadership without loss to his command, Corporal Smith dealt three successive and severe blows against organized banditry in the Republic of Nicaragua.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 211437 2140-3 ACE-jfb (17 November 1930)
Born: at Jersey City, New Jersey
Home Town: Teaneck, New Jersey
SMITH, JULIAN C.
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
Chief of Staff, Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: October 1930 - January 2, 1933
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Julian C. Smith, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, as Area Commander, Central Area, and Chief of Staff of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, from October 1930 to January 2, 1933. Major Smith, as Area Commander, Central Area, Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, with headquarters at Jonotaga, from October 1930 to April 1932, personally directed the operations of his Guardia against the armed bandit forces operating under capable leaders in the difficult terrain of the Central Area with such aggressiveness and tactical skill as to bring to successful conclusions some sixty contacts with the enemy, driving them from the settled portions of the Area. In addition he bore the responsibility of the organization and administration of his Area under martial law, which involved constant dealings with the general public, and which commanded a highly developed sense of justice and the highest qualities of leadership. The spirit of understanding and cooperation displayed by him in his relations with native and foreign inhabitants, to further the interests of harmony between civil and military officials, was exceptional, and his general conduct of affairs pertaining to the efficient administration of his Area was all that could be desired. As Chief of Staff of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, from May 1932 to the date of the evacuation, a period of active military operations, he rendered exceptionally distinguished and outstanding service, particularly in the preparation and execution of plans for the orderly turnover of the Guardia Nacional to the control of Nicaraguan officers, for the fulfillment of the Guardia mission of preserving law and order and public confidence during the electoral period of 1932 making possible the successful conduct of the national election under American supervision, and for the successful evacuation of the American personnel of the Guardia from their posts in the interior of a hostile country.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0919-1-3 1240-Z ACG-sez (19 August 1933)
Born: at Cecil County, Maryland
Home Town: Elkton, Maryland
*STENGLE, MEYER
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: August 7, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Meyer Stengle, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in battle when on the occasion of an engagement with armed bandits in the vicinity of Ililihuas, Nicaragua, 7 August 1928, he, well knowing the extreme danger involved, voluntarily acted as a connecting unit between two separate Marine patrols at the time under extremely heavy enemy fire and as a result received wounds which later resulted in his death.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 209916 (28 September 1928)
Born: at Hartford, Connecticut
Home Town: Hartford, Connecticut
STOCKES, GEORGE F.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: September 28, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to George F. Stockes, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a patrol of the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the vicinity of Zapote, Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua on September 28, 1928. At 1:30 a.m. Captain Stockes, learning that a numerically superior force of bandits under the leadership of General Salgado were about to attack his town, immediately proceeded to the scene with his patrol and by the prompt and judicious use of his resources quickly broke up the threatened attack. The same day he conducted his patrol over difficult terrain and launched a vigorous attack against the bandit forces, then occupying a well-prepared position. So well did Captain Stockes make his dispositions and so sharply did his patrol launch and drive home the attack that the bandits were routed after suffering heavy losses. Later he planned and conducted an advance along the border from Rio Negro to Los Manos which forced the bandit groups of Ortez and Salgado to seek shelter in Honduras with their consequent disintegration and disappearance. In all of these operations Captain Stockes distinguished himself by the display of excellent judgment and initiative and extraordinary bravery, coolness and leadership.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0950-1-3 ACE-jfb (10 December 1929)
Born: at Point of Rocks, Maryland
Home Town: Point of Rocks, Maryland
THATCHER, MILES R.
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
Operations Officer, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: July 11, 1929 - April 18, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Miles R. Thatcher, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Brigade Operations Officer, 2d Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, from 11 July 1929 to 18 April 1930. during this period the 2d Brigade operated in Nicaragua for the purpose of protecting life and property, restoring law and order, and ridding the country of marauding bands of insurrectos. By his careful studies of the methods employed by the insurrectos, and by his sound planning of offensive operations against them, Major Thatcher rendered assistance to the Brigade Commander which was of great value in planning and executing the military operations of the Brigade.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0980-1-3 ACE-fjb (18 July 1930)
Born: at Fort Niobrare, Nebraska
Home Town: Germantown, Pennsylvania
*TORO, RAFEL
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: July 25, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Rafel Toro, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in battle when on the occasion of an engagement at San Fernando, Nicaragua, 25 July 1927, during an insurrection in that country, while performing advance guard duty in an important expedition into Nueva Segovia, Private Toro, accompanying his commanding officer, rode ahead into the town and on being attacked, fearlessly proceeded against tremendous odds, returning the fire, and at the risk of his own life materially assisted in holding the enemy in check until the arrival of reinforcements. Although receiving wounds at this time, which later resulted in his death, Private Toro continued in the fight to the last displaying that type of grit, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 205227 ACE-jfb (21 December 1927)
Born: at Humacao, Puerto Rico
Home Town: Humacao, Puerto Rico
TURNER, CHARLES E.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters Company, 5th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 30, 1927
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Charles E. Turner, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness and excellent judgment in the performance of duty as a member of the advanced guard of a small Marine expedition in an engagement near Quilali, Nicaragua, on 30 December 1927. Although seriously wounded in the early stages of the fighting, Private Turner soon regained consciousness, crawled to a point of vantage, and continued to fire until he fainted from pain and lost of blood.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 204286 ACE-jfb (9 May 1928)
Born: at Bedford, Indiana
Home Town: Terre Haute, Indiana
WALRAVEN, JOHN G.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: December 1, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John G. Walraven, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a patrol composed of men from the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, and from the Guardia Nacional of the Republic of Nicaragua operating in the vicinity of San Juan de Telpaneca, Province of Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, on December 1, 1929. First Lieutenant John G. Walraven on making contact with a bandit group displayed such bravery, coolness and excellent leadership that the bandits were soon dispersed. In this engagement several bandits were killed while no casualties were suffered by the Marine and Guardia force. Throughout his sixteen months of service in Nicaragua he has, at all times, distinguished himself by his extraordinary courage and sound judgment in his many contacts with bandit forces.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 03837-1-3 ACE-jfb (10 December 1929)
Born: at Costello, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Charlestown, West Virginia
*WHITE, RUSSELL
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: November 7 - 9, 1930
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Russell White, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while attached to the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua and in command of a patrol of one officer and fifteen enlisted Guardia. With his patrol and on his own initiative, from 7 November to 9 November 1930, Sergeant White pursued over jungle trails in unknown country, a group estimated to contain two hundred bandits which had defeated the Guardia garrison of Matiguas, driven it there from and looted the town. Without a reserve supply of ammunition or food, while out of communication with Area or Department Headquarters and far beyond the reach of possible support or assistance, he attacked and defeated the bandit group with heavy loss. While leading the attack Sergeant White fell mortally wounded at the head of his men. The effect of the relentless pursuit, bold attack and decisive defeat of this group of bandits, in addition to avenging the capture of Matiguas, had a lasting effect on the morale of the Guardia and of the civil population of the Central Area.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 173202 ACE-vp (4 December 1931)
Born: at Bridgeport, Connecticut
Home Town: Toledo, Ohio
*WILLIAMS, CHARLES
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: December 6, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Charles Williams, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary courage, skill and devotion to duty on 6 December 1928 in the vicinity of Cujelita, Nicaragua, while acting as the Second in Command of a body of Marines that was outnumbered four-to-one and was being attacked by a well-armed and skillfully-lead force of bandits. Throughout the engagement Sergeant Williams moved constantly from point to point to steady the firing line in the face of heavy rifle and occasional machine gun fire with the utmost bravery and with total disregard to his personal safety. When an attack from the rear suddenly developed he was ordered to take a small party to combat it to protect the main body. Without the slightest hesitation and in full realization of the danger of his mission, he led his party safely over a ridge that was swept by the bandit frontal fire to face the newly developed fire from the rear. Sergeant Williams successfully dispersed the attack but was fatally struck by rifle fire. Just as the courage, fearlessness and high sense of duty of Sergeant Williams were an inspiration to his men on this occasion, so shall his memory continue to serve them and the United States Marine Corps in their times of trial.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 161750 ACE-jfb (10 May 1929)
Born: at Monett, Missouri
Home Town: Monnett, Missouri
WILLIAMS, GREGON A.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
Date of Action: October 3 & 13 & November 11, 1931
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Gregon A. Williams, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of patrols of Guardia Nacional operating in the District of Bogoto, Nicaragua. First Lieutenant Grogon A. Williams, U.S. Marine Corps, successfully led his forces into three engagements against superior numbers of armed bandit forces; namely, on 3 October 1931 an attack against a bandit group of forty entrenched positions, on 13 October 1931 near Zepote Mountain and near Los Casas on 11 November 1931. His display of courage and leadership enabled his patrol to completely rout superior bandit groups with loss of lives and ammunition, without suffering casualties themselves.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 03813-1-3 ACE-vpd (1 June 1932)
Born: at Carrollton, Illinois
Home Town: San Diego, California
WOOD, JOHN C.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 11 - 13, 1931
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John C. Wood, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession during the period 11 - 13 April 1931, during operations against organized banditry in the vicinity of Logtown and Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. Having been directed by the Area Commander on 11 April 1931 to proceed immediately to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, to take over the command of the Department of Northern Bluefields as relief for the late Captain Harlen Pefley, U.S. Marine Corps, killed in combat the same day, Captain Wood arrived in Puerto Cabezas at about 2:00 p.m. 12 April and, after endeavoring to reassure a panic-stricken town alarmed by rumors of bandit attacks, proceeded at 3:00 a.m., 13 April, on a special train with four enlisted men of the Guardia Nacional out 120 kilometers of railroad known to be infested with active groups of armed outlaws, to the relief of a Guardia patrol under First Sergeant Clyde R. Darrah, U.S. Marine Corps, which had been engaged in combat for the previous twenty-four hours. Taking personal command of the combined patrol, Captain Wood at 7:00 a.m., 13 April, proceeded by train to Snaki Bridge where he was forced to abandon his train, marched his patrol nine miles along the railroad to Logtown where, ably assisted by two Marine Corps planes equipped with bombs and machine guns, he vigorously attacked a large group of bandits under the command of the jefe, Pedro Blandon, which attack, characterized by the prompt, efficient and vigorous use of the force and weapons at his disposal, resulted in the deaths of Blandon and at least twenty of his men and completely dispersed the other outlaws from the scene of the action. In this operation Captain Wood within forty-eight hours of his departure from Bluefields two hundred miles away, destroyed the band of bandits that had ambushed and killed Captain Pefley two days before, killed its notoriously vicious and cruel leader, saved the lives of many persons who were endangered by the presence of the bandit group, relieved the threat against the town of Puerto Cabezas, which was the declared goal of the outlaws and inflicted a loss upon organized banditry in Nicaragua which had a most discouraging effect upon the general offensive then being launched against the East Coast of Nicaragua. This remarkable engagement was successfully conducted with the casualty of but one enlisted Guardia wounded. During the entire battle Captain Wood distinguished himself by the display of extraordinary bravery, coolness, and leadership and by exceptional judgment, initiative and military ability.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 01080-1-3 ACE-jfb (17 July 1931)
Born: at Milbank, South Dakota
Home Town: Santa Cruz, California
YELANICH, ANTHONY G.
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: August 7, 1928
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Anthony G. Yelanich, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, courage and coolness in the performance of duty as a runner during an engagement fought with bandits in the vicinity of Ililihuas, Nicaragua, on 7 August 1928. While delivering a message, Private First Class Yelanich found himself between two bandits who were rushing him from each side. After killing one of them and putting the other to rout, he then proceeded to complete his mission. During passage from one end of the skirmish line to the other, and although under rifle and machine gun fire throughout the entire action, he never failed to deliver the messages entrusted to him.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 210257 1740 ACE-jfb (5 February 1929)
Born: at Fayette City, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Fayette City, Pennsylvania
YOUNG, JOHN S. E.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Aircraft Squadrons, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua),
Date of Action: April 12 & 13, 1931
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John S. E. Young, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as aviator while attached to the Second Marine Brigade operating in the Republic of Nicaragua. On 12 April 1931, Lieutenant Young in the face of machine gun and rifle fire from bandits located and most effectively bombed a bandit camp near Moss Farm, Nicaragua. On 13 April 19331, he assisted in effecting a crossing of the Snaki Bridge by a ground patrol and thereafter located a bandit camp at Logtown; this information he delivered to the ground patrol which he guided to the scene, meanwhile, at great personal risk, effectively harassing the enemy and pinning him to the ground with machine gun fire until arrival of the patrol. The ensuing engagement resulted in the death of the notorious Sandino jefe, Pedro Blandon, one of the most brilliant successes in the Nicaraguan campaign.
Authority - USMC Communiqué: 04088 (1 June 1932)
Born: at Henderson, North Carolina
Home Town: Ocean Grove, New Jersey
