Earl Lavon Storms

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Earl LaVon Storms, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Rifle Company of the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester in the Bismarck Archipelago on 14 January 1944. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Storms constantly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to administer first aid to 15 comrades who had been wounded in a fierce encounter in the vicinity of Hill 660. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Storms undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 328 (July 1944)