Daniel J. Marini

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Daniel J. Marini (286221), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 15 March 1945. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire, Sergeant Marini bravely led his platoon toward its objective until enemy machine-gun and mortar fire rendered further progress impossible. Crawling alone seventy-five yards ahead of his platoon, he reduced the Japanese machine gun position with rifle fire and grenades and, subsequently discovering an enemy mortar position which had been shelling his company, advanced on it alone until he was close enough to destroy it by grenades, thereby enabling his platoon to continue its advance until the objective was taken. His outstanding courage, intrepid 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 41646