Edward H. Hurst

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Edward H. Hurst (0-5854), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 18 May 1945. While directing his battalion’s assault against the heavily-defended Wana Ridge, Lieutenant Colonel Hurst occupied a forward observation post which was swept by intense hostile small-arms fire and mortar concentrations. Observing that platoons of the assault company were being subjected to devastating enemy fire, he courageously moved forward from his post to the company and, in the face of heavy Japanese mortar and small-arms fire, personally directed the assault on the desperately defended crest of the ridge. While returning to his observation post after his troops had gained a foothold on the ridge, Lieutenant Colonel Hurst personally assisted in the evacuation of a wounded man over a path swept by hostile small-arms fire. His bravery, able leadership, and gallant fighting spirit throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 65541 (SofN Signed January 26, 1948)