James G. Headley

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to James G. Headley (0-16615), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 22 February to 17 March 1945. Assuming command after all his senior officers became casualties, Captain Headley quickly reorganized his battalion and fought the undermanned unit throughout the remainder of the operation. Although faced with extremely rough terrain and fire from well-camouflaged hostile emplacements, he personally controlled his Battalion from exposed observation posts on the front lines. On 11 March, when his group was attacking an undamaged enemy strong point, he braved the hail of enemy fire to reconnoiter the extreme forward areas, accurately evaluating the terrain and the strength of the hostile positions and personally controlling the advance of his Battalion and the fire of his supporting weapons. By his leadership, bravery and aggressive fighting spirit, Captain Headley contributed greatly to the success of his Battalion in this operation, and his conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 20634 (SofN Signed November 14, 1947)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James G. Headley (0-16615), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Operations Officer of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Immediately assuming command of Company L when its commanding officer had been seriously wounded and the company pinned down by intense enemy fire, Captain Headley reorganized the company and, exposing himself to direct hostile fire, inspired his men to charge and overrun the heavily fortified positions. Later, in full view of the Japanese and under intense hostile machine-gun and rifle fire, he led an assault against strongly defended positions on Hill 500 and contributed greatly to the capture of that hill by his battalion. When his company was again pinned down by machine-gun and mortar barrages, he maneuvered his depleted units to bring their full fire effect upon the Japanese on Hill 501, inflicting heavy casualties among them. Although painfully wounded as his company was ordered to withdraw to a more advantageous position, he remained with a small group of men to cover the withdrawal and was one of the last two men to retire from the enemy pocket. His forceful leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 20634 (SofN Approved November 14, 1947)