Theodore B. Gilliland

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Theodore B. Gilliland (377857), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company B, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. When a group of the enemy attacked the exposed crew of a disabled tank, Sergeant Gilliland promptly maneuvered to an open position in order to protect the crew and boldly attracted the attention of the Japanese with hand grenades and rifle fire, bravely continuing this hazardous action despite a constant stream of hostile fire until he and another man had killed twenty-eight of the enemy and taken two as prisoners. His aggressive spirit, cool courage and daring tactics reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Gilliland and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 3025