Richard R. Gill

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard R. Gill (878129), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 20 June 1945. Pinned down with his platoon by heavy machine-gun and sniper fire, Private First Class Gill voluntarily took his fire team forward and maneuvered to the rear of the source of the hostile fire. Leaving his team, he advanced alone to the enemy machine-gun position, killed the defending Japanese and destroyed the weapon. When a second machine gun opened fire, he charged the hostile emplacement and succeeded in killing five of the enemy and neutralizing the position, thereby permitting his platoon to complete its advance. His initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Private First Class Gill and the United States Naval Service.

Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 79496 (November 30, 1948)