Willard Woodward Keith, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Willard Woodward Keith, Jr. (0-6950), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while commanding Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the afternoon of 2 November 1942. During an offensive by the battalion in the Matanikau River Area, Captain Keith, with exceptional skill and inspiring courage, led a platoon against a hostile strong point made up of a single platoon reinforced with machine guns. Although the Japanese positions were firmly entrenched on commanding ground and concealed by heavy jungle growth, Captain Keith, recognizing the inability of our mortar and artillery fire to dislodge the enemy, initiated and led successive bayonet and hand grenade charges in the face of tremendous fire until the hostile group was annihilated and he himself was killed. His grim determination and aggressive devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the defense of his country.

SPOT AWARD, Serial 00232 (SofN Signed April 23, 1943)