Cecil RAY Tolley

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Cecil Ray Tolley (831764), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Marianas Islands, 25 July 1944. During a furious hostile counterattack, the enemy hurled hand grenades into the machine-gun position that Private Tolley held, seriously wounding him and two other Marines. Despite his painful wounds, Private Tolley courageously dragged himself to the machine gun and, loading the piece with one hand, fired four boxes of ammunition before becoming unconscious. By his gallant and selfless action, he succeeded in annihilating a number of the enemy and aided materially in repulsing the counterattack. Private Tolley’s personal valor, aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 19629