Byron Earl Fisher

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Byron Earl Fisher (0-30288), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while attached to Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 13 March 1945. Participating in an attack against hostile forces entrenched in pillboxes, caves and spider traps, First Lieutenant Fisher gallantly led his platoon down a ravine to overrun the enemy position. Despite severe wounds received when the enemy launched a furious counterattack before his position could be consolidated, he promptly and without consideration for his own safety helped put a captured Japanese machine gun into action, thus aiding materially in repelling the enemy. By his dauntless initiative, indomitable fortitude and cool decision in the face of fanatic opposition, First Lieutenant Fisher contributed materially to the success of the operations, and his conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 35174 (October 25, 1945)