Joseph Edward Buckley

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Joseph Edward Buckley (0-5816), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism s Commanding Officer of Regimental Weapons Company, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 6 January 1944. Riding a 75-mm. gun half-track during a coordinated attack on a strong hostile road-block, Captain Buckley courageously crossed a sand spit in the face of heavy enemy opposition and, continually exposing himself to persistent machine-gun and sniper fire in order to keep abreast of the assault troops, personally directed the accurate fire of the half-track against Japanese pillboxes and antitank weapons with aggressive determination, thus enabling our attacking forces to capture the road-block and annihilate the enemy. Captain Buckley’s gallant conduct and inspiring leadership throughout this extremely hazardous engagement were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0689 (March 28, 1944)