George H. Smallwood

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George H. Smallwood (275169), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 6 March 1945. After his company had been halted by a hostile emplacement containing snipers, machine guns and knee mortars and which was covered with mutually supporting fire from another enemy position, Sergeant Smallwood courageously moved forward armed with grenades to neutralize the position. Running out of grenades and ammunition before completing his mission, he returned to his own lines and, after obtaining a fresh supply, again made his way forward to resume his hazardous mission and succeeded in eliminating the hostile strong point before he was wounded. By his valiant action, Sergeant Smallwood enabled his company to continue the advance and eventually occupy the position so fiercely defended by the Japanese. His fortitude, initiative and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 54919 (SofN Signed January 26, 1948)