Oscar F. Peatross

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Oscar F. Peatross (0-7196), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Platoon Commander of Company B, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. When extremely rough seas forced his separation from the rest of the raiding party, Captain Peatross boldly landed his men behind the enemy lines and attacked a superior enemy force. Continuing to harass the enemy’s rear, thereby creating confusion in their ranks, Captain Peatross’s daring tactics caused one of the enemy’s aerial bombing formations to bomb its own troops. In this forceful and courageous engagement he and his group killed or wounded fifteen Japanese. His resourcefulness, leadership and personal valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD (October 1942)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Oscar F. Peatross (0-7196), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Commanding Officer, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on August 18 – 24, 1965. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Colonel Peatross upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.