James L. Gerst

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James L. Gerst (304095), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Scout Sergeant in an Artillery Forward Observation Party attached to the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 27 November 1943. While his company was engaged in close-range, bitter fighting with the enemy, Sergeant Gerst organized a group of men, courageously advanced under a constant hail of intense hostile shellfire and evacuated wounded men to the rear. During the intense fighting, he obtained a rifle, charged forward of the front lines and succeeded in killing Japanese snipers who were inflicting heavy casualties on his forces and obstructing evacuation operations. Fearlessly risking his life in an attempt to rescue four wounded men from a direct line of hostile fire, Sergeant Gerst was mortally wounded. His great personal valor, brilliant leadership and self-sacrificing efforts directly contributed to the saving of many lives and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Board Serial: 917 (March 24, 1944)