Victor L. Case

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Victor L. Case (441600), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as an Automatic Rifleman serving with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Group, 15 to 22 September 1944. When his platoon was pinned down by heavy Japanese machine-gun fire from two pillboxes, Private First Class Case fearlessly exposed himself to the terrific barrage and, crawling forward to an open, more advantageous position, directed extremely effective automatic rifle fire on the embrasures of both emplacements. Then, advancing boldly in company with another Marine, he assaulted the hostile position with determined aggressiveness and, hurling grenades and engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, succeeded in annihilating the eight Japanese occupants, thereby enabling his platoon to continue the attack. Advancing courageously ahead of his squad under similar conditions on 22 September, Private First Class Case was mortally wounded by concealed enemy machine guns. By his bold initiative and intrepid fighting spirit in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Case contributed materially to the success of our operations in this area, and his valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 004314 (January 11, 1945)