Delbert D. Maupin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Delbert D. Maupin (863492), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Rifleman in a Rifle Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. While his company was engaged in close combat with the enemy on a strongly defended ridge near Minami Village, Private Maupin saw a hand grenade fall near his Squad Leader and, disregarding his own personal safety, unhesitatingly jumped between his Sergeant and the grenade, receiving the full blast of the explosion. Although seriously wounded about the arms and legs, he annihilated the attacking enemy with rifle fire. His courage and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 41646