Joseph G. Basso

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Joseph G. Basso (439959), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Fire Group Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, 24 July 1944. Manning an outpost at night accompanied by only one comrade, Private First Class Basso was suddenly and ferociously attacked by numerous Japanese who delivered a heavy barrage of hand grenades and small-arms fire. Electing to engage the hostile force at his post, he emptied the magazine of his Browning Automatic Rifle into their fanatical assault. When overpowered by the onrushing enemy while changing magazines, and dragged three hundred yards into hostile territory, Private First Class Basso struggled fiercely and accomplished his escape. Searching for his wounded comrade, he located the casualty and brought him back into our own lines. When the position was retaken the following day, fifteen Japanese dead were counted near the outpost Private First Class Basso and his comrade had occupied. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and fortitude, Private First Class Basso was directly instrumental in bringing effective fire to bear on the enemy, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6070 (June 18, 1947)