John Wilson Slagle

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Wilson Slagle (289704), Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Platoon Sergeant of a Rifle Platoon of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 15 June 1944. When his unit was subjected to heavy enemy artillery and small-arms fire during the establishing of a beachhead, Platoon Sergeant Slagle, on his own initiative, proceeded on foot approximately two hundred yards through hostile fire to secure two armored amphibian tractors which were vitally needed to further the attack. Finding, upon his return, that heavy casualties were being inflicted by enemy fire from a fortified position, he quickly organized an assault team composed of several men and personally led them and the two armored amphibian tractors in a vigorous attack against the hostile emplacement. Although painfully wounded during the action, he continued to lead and direct the assault team until the enemy position was completely wiped out, thereby contributing materially to the success of his unit in reaching its objective. His fighting spirit and courageous leadership reflect the highest credit on Platoon Sergeant Slagle and the United States Naval Service.

Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 20916