Willard Earl Conn

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Willard Earl Conn (500742), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Okinawa, Ryukyu Chain, 11 May 1945. When the leaders of two squads became casualties during an attack on Dakeshi Ridge, Private First Class Conn immediately assumed command of the remaining Marines and, exposing himself repeatedly to intense machine-gun and mortar barrages, reorganized his men and inspired them to continue the savage fight against the fanatic Japanese defenders. Realizing that no stretcher teams were available to evacuate the casualties in his area, he ran over one hundred yards of open terrain covered by vicious hostile fire to obtain the support of a tank and, directing the fire of the tank against the menacing installation, disrupted the enemy’s firing while rescue teams carried all the wounded to a place of safety. Withdrawing his squads temporarily and reorganizing them for continued action, he was preparing to resume the attack when he fell, mortally wounded. His outstanding courage, fearless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Conn and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 032419 (November 8, 1945)