Lauren Herman Kahn

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lauren Herman Kahn (880834), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 June 1944. During an intense enemy counterattack, Private First Class Kahn scored hits on two Japanese tanks with his antitank rocket launcher and succeeded in putting both vehicles out of action. With his supply of ammunition exhausted and a third enemy tank advancing upon him, he fearlessly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to climb upon the oncoming tank and drop two hand grenades into the turret, annihilating the entire tank crew and rendering the tank inoperable. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Kahn and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 8418 (SofN Signed January 28, 1948)