Charles P. Keane

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Charles P. Keane (327892), Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 15 March 1945. Ordered with his squad to attack deeply-entrenched enemy forces who were heavily armed with rifles, machine guns and grenades, Private Keane unhesitatingly took the initiative and, boldly charging the hostile position, single-handedly destroyed ten of the Japanese with grenades and rifle fire before he fell, mortally wounded. His unfaltering courage and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds reflect the highest credit upon Private Keane’s and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 35670 (November 1, 1945)