John Martorano

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John Martorano, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 22 February 1945. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Martorano undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.