Charles J. Battali

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles J. Battali (502214), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a member of an Assault Unit of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Fifth Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi and Parry Islands, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 18 to 22 February 1944. Leaping from his foxhole upon hearing the cries of a wounded comrade, Private First Class Battali ran over fifty yards through the fire of Japanese and friendly troops alike, carried the wounded man back to his foxhole and stood guard over him until morning. Serving with extraordinary bravery in scouting out enemy positions in the advance of frontline troops, he continued to perform his duties in a superior manner until struck by a large caliber Japanese bullet and forced to leave the front line upon direct order. By his outstanding heroism, courage and devotion to duty, Private First Class Battali contributed materially to the success of the operations against the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 11172 (November 17, 1944)