Adolf B. Byrnas

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Adolf B. Byrnas (447567), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan Point Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, 21 July 1944. Observing a member of his squad lying wounded and under fire of an enemy machine gun, Private First Class Byrnas crawled forward through the hostile fire for a distance of forty yards and, unable to obtain additional aid after reaching the wounded man, engaged a superior Japanese force single-handedly. Throwing three hand grenades and firing four clips of carbine ammunition, he succeeded in silencing two hostile machine guns and in killing six of the Japanese riflemen. Still persevering in his mission, he then pulled the wounded Marine forty yards to a safe place where first aid was administered and evacuation made possible. His initiative, coolness under fire and gallant devotion to the welfare of his fellow men reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Byrnas and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 00598