Richard L. Close

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard L. Close (367541), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Courageously charging through intense, persistent enemy machine-gun fire, Corporal Close boldly entered a hostile pillbox which was preventing the advance of our troops and, although twice repelled by the Japanese within the emplacement, unhesitatingly made a third valiant attempt and succeeded in neutralizing the position before he was critically wounded. Corporal Close’s splendid initiative, inspiring conduct and self-sacrificing devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 0647