Rondo G. Abel

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rondo G. Abel (331210), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. Participating in an attack on a large pillbox which was delivering heavy and effective fire upon his company, Corporal Abel spotted an opening which had not been previously noticed. Without any covering fire, he worked himself forward until he was in a position near the embrasure and single-handedly attacked the machine gun with only his rifle and hand grenades. Although he had received a gunshot wound in his foot during his advance, he continued his heroic attack and succeeded in silencing the hostile weapon. By his initiative and unselfish courage, he enabled the remainder of his squad to continue the attack, and his intrepid spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 44965 (June 19, 1945)