Fitzgerald Atkinson, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Fitzgerald Atkinson, Jr. (0-34179), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader, attached to Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 17 June 1945. Left for dead behind enemy lines after being wounded several times by Japanese riflemen while directing the evacuation of his crew from his shelled and disabled tank, First Lieutenant Atkinson remained alone and unaided in this precarious position far in advance of friendly lines. Finally regaining consciousness, he lay motionless and, with great calmness and fortitude, carefully observed the enemy who were freely moving about him. After committing to memory the location of several Japanese installations and of flanking routes to them, he cautiously worked his way through hostile territory to our lines and succeeded in relaying this valuable information to the sector commander before allowing himself to be evacuated. By his outstanding courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Atkinson contributed materially to the successful completion of a difficult mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 79496 (Signed February 27, 1947)