Marine Corps

*BOLTHOUSE, JOHN A., JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private John A. Bolthouse, Jr. (MCSN: 480640), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Lineman serving with the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, 27 November 1943. While his company was engaged in close range, bitter fire fighting with the enemy, Private Bolthouse joined a group of men engaged in evacuating casualties from the front lines. Fearlessly pressing forward under a constant hail of enemy machine gun and mortar fire, he successfully removed many of the men to a safe area and continued his valiant efforts until killed by enemy shell fire while attempting to rescue a wounded comrade who had fallen behind the Japanese lines. Private Bolthouse's great personal valor, daring aggressiveness and heroic self-sacrifice in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

BROWN, JULIAN P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Julian P. Brown (0-114), , U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on the Staff of the Task Force Commander during the period 6 December 1941 through 14 June 1942, in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands.
Other Award: 2@ Silver Stars (WWI), Navy Cross (Nicaragua)

CRABTREE, LUTHER C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Luther C. Crabtree (500560), , U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine rifle company on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 26 March, 1945. On 13 March, when the advance of his company was held up by rifle and grenade fire from a series of caves to the front, Corporal Crabtree, utterly disregarding his own safety, ran forward of the front lines and destroyed two cave positions with demolitions. Again on 15 March, disregarding enemy machine gun fire from caves to the front, he ran through the front lines and attacked cave positions with satchel charges, destroying three cave positions and making possible the advance of his company. His daring execution of these dangerous missions and his constant courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home of Record: Ohio

CRAWFORD, DALE A.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Dale A. Crawford (MCSN: 888062), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Commander of Company A, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 11 May 1945. Observing a friendly tank capsize in an attempt to cross a stream while advancing in his own tank beyond the front lines, Corporal Crawford immediately maneuvered his vehicle into position and, after dismounting to attach a towing cable to the overturned tank despite intense enemy mortar fire, skillfully directed its removal. Realizing the immediate necessity for other tanks to cross the stream at the same place he remained at the crossing with his tank and under continued heavy fire screened the approaching vehicles with smoke grenades and on foot repeatedly guided them over the difficult crossing. By his outstanding initiative and coolness under fire Corporal Crawford contributed materially to the success of the attack and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

*CROSS, WILLIAM C. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant William C. Cross United States Marine for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 15 June 1944. Fearlessly reconnoitering an area heavily infested with Japanese troops, Platoon Sergeant Cross led his men into the position, capturing the commanding ground and skillfully closing a vulnerable gap in our lines. Determined and aggressive, he penetrated every part of the area, unhesitatingly risking his life numerous times to enter buildings and probe possible places of concealment as he cleared the way for the rest of his platoon. By his resolute initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and unfaltering courage in the face of savage, unceasing opposition, Platoon Sergeant Cross contributed essentially to the success of our forces in the Saipan operation, and his valiant devotion to duty throughout a period of fierce hostilities was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

*CROW, JOE R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Joe R. Crow (488583), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Demolition Squad Leader, serving with Company C, Third Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 20 February 1945. Leading his squad through intense automatic fire from the concealed enemy in a relentless assault on three mutually supporting Japanese pillboxes, Sergeant Crow succeeded in reaching his objective despite two casualties and, skillfully maneuvering his men to destroy two of the hostile emplacements, annihilated the third before he fell, mortally wounded by an enemy sniper. His expert leadership and relentless fighting spirit in the accomplishment of this daring mission contributed materially to a two-hundred yard advance on Mount Suribachi by his company and reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Crow and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

DELK, WILLIAM C.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William C. Delk, Jr. (MCSN: 413531), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 4 May 1945. Observing that enemy rifle and machine-gun fire was causing many casualties and delaying his company during an advance through heavily-defended enemy territory, Sergeant Delk moved forward and destroyed two hostile machine-gun positions along with eight of the enemy troops, thereby enabling the company to continue its advance. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

DIDOMENICO, FRED L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Fred L. DiDomenico (461128), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. Unhesitatingly volunteering to take part in an attempt to silence enemy gun emplacements threatening the advance of an infantry battalion, Private First Class DiDomenico courageously proceeded under intense hostile fire and, with several comrades, attacked and destroyed seven vital enemy positions, killing fourteen Japanese and driving out numerous others. Ordered to return to the command post with captured military documents, he worked his way over difficult jungle terrain swept by hostile machine guns and delivered the papers, subsequently rejoining his comrades in continued attacks against the Japanese. Private First Class DiDomenico's daring initiative and valiant conduct in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

*DURFEE, CHARLES R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Durfee (0-8324), 0-8324, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. Landing on Saipan in the face of terrific fire from Japanese guns, Captain Durfee quickly reorganized the units of his rifle company and advancing inland secured the beachhead in his sector. When attacked by intense fire from enemy tanks and infantry, he effectively directed the defenses of this position and then led his company in an offensive against Hill 790, where he encountered a hostile emplacement that seriously affected the consolidation of his position. Personally directing the close range fire of his supporting tanks against the enemy troops in holes and caves, Captain Durfee was mortally wounded by Japanese fire. By his superb leadership and great personal valor, he had contributed materially to the success of a vital campaign. His daring initiative and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
CinC Pac Serial 12714 (July 30, 1945)
Born: at Morristown, North Dakota
Home of Record: Reeder, North Dakota
Other Award: Navy Cross (WWII)

GAUL, WILLIAM A.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal William A. Gaul (MCSN: 469824), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, Fourth Engineer Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands on the night of 6 July 1944. After enemy troops had occupied a building only twenty-five yards from our front lines and were effectively firing on our troops, and all other means to evict them had failed, Corporal Gaul courageously assisted in placing demolition charges in the building, thereby destroying the structure and neutralizing the position. As squad leader of an engineering assault squad employing flame throwers and demolitions, he personally led his men in numerous assaults on enemy-held pillboxes, caves and dugouts. His leadership, coolness under fire and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

GIBSON, ROBERT L.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert L. Gibson (MCSN: 481835), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of Headquarters and Service Company, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943. Skilled and aggressive during fierce combat against deeply entrenched enemy in the central sector of Betio Island, Private First Class Gibson fought furiously and without rest throughout three days and nights of bitter offensive action, contributing materially to the success of his unit in wiping out many Japanese emplacements. On one occasion, he boldly proceeded to the gun port of a hostile strong point and, despite the enemy's incessant shellfire, destroyed the emplacement with well-placed demolitions and grenade fire, then entered the area and killed the remaining personnel. Again risking his life in a subsequent engagement, he fearlessly expose himself to withering fire to gain an advantageous position for covering the advance of a companion to the entrance of an enemy-held position. His daring initiative, great personal valor and tireless devotion to the completion of each perilous mission served as an inspiration to our troops and reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.

GILBERT, JESSE H.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Jesse Howard Gilbert (MCSN: 322744), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 3 October 1944. Voluntarily establishing his machine gun in an uncovered position, Private Gilbert directed intense, accurate tracer fire against Japanese emplacements and, setting fire to one of the hostile positions, dislodged the enemy and enabled our forces to advance to a ridge providing effective protection. Courageously and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he again moved his gun forward into an exposed area from which he could cover a Japanese automatic weapon dominating his platoon's position, but was mortally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Private Gilbert's splendid initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

*GREER, CHARLES RAYMOND
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Charles Raymond Greer (266422), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallantry in action in the Philippine Islands on 29 December 1941. Private First Class Greer and Private Katchuck (USMC), braved enemy bombing and strafing to transport to a hospital two wounded men who had been abandoned in a truck when Japanese planes appeared. Observing the danger to which the wounded men were exposed when the truck driver left his vehicle, Greer and Katchuck promptly quit their shelter and volunteered to take the casualties to the hospital. Disregarding falling bombs and hostile aerial machine gunning en route, and concerned primarily with the completion of his volunteer mission, Private First Class Greer drove the truck to its destination. Private Katchuck assisted in transporting the casualties and aided in locating two medical officers at the hospital, turned over the casualties, and then returned to his post. The gallant actions of Private First Class Greer and Private Katchuck were instrumental in avoiding the possibility of further injury or death to the wounded men.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 302 (May 1942)
Home of Record: Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania

GLEASON, WILLIAM R.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to First Lieutenant William R. Gleason (MCSN: 0-12699), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action in New Georgia, Solomon Islands, in maintaining his position in a native canoe with a light at the south of an anchorage to guide landing boats despite shells from enemy batteries which ranged on his light during the night of 4 - 5 July 1943.

HALENKAMP, GEORGE L.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Second Lieutenant, George L. Halenkamp, United States Marine Corps Reserve for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands on 31 May, 1945. During the bitter struggle for Schichina, Second Lieutenant Halenkamp's platoon had withdrawn, with permission, to a more advantageous position for the night. Upon arriving at his new position, he noticed that two of his men had been wounded during the withdrawal and were in an exposed position in the middle of the field. Realizing that unless the men were rescued before darkness they would either be taken prisoner by the enemy or die, he requested permission to attempt to get them out. Permission was granted and although there was no more smoke available, he made his way under fire to the first wounded man and throwing him over his shoulder ran back to his own lines. The enemy by this time was fully aware that an effort would be made to rescue the other man, and laid a heavy screen of fire over his position. He, completely disregarding his own safety, made his way out into the field and although by this time the enemy was firing every weapon they possessed in an effort to prevent it, he was again successful in getting the wounded man back. His heroic actions were an inspiration to all members of the command and were with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

KATCHUCK, ALEXANDER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Army Award) to Alexander Katchuck (311600), Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallantry in action in the Philippine Islands on 29 December 1941. Private First Class Greer and Private Katchuck (USMC), braved enemy bombing and strafing to transport to a hospital two wounded men who had been abandoned in a truck when Japanese planes appeared. Observing the danger to which the wounded men were exposed when the truck driver left his vehicle, Greer and Katchuck promptly quit their shelter and volunteered to take the casualties to the hospital. Disregarding falling bombs and hostile aerial machine gunning en route, and concerned primarily with the completion of his volunteer mission, Private First Class Greer drove the truck to its destination. Private Katchuck assisted in transporting the casualties and aided in locating two medical officers at the hospital, turned over the casualties, and then returned to his post. The gallant actions of Private First Class Greer and Private Katchuck were instrumental in avoiding the possibility of further injury or death to the wounded men.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 302 (May 1942)
Home of Record: Oakland, California

LOFTIS, WALLACE GARLAND
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Wallace Garland Loftis (0-37595), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 11 May 1945. While leading his platoon in an assault against a fanatically defended enemy position on commanding ground, Second Lieutenant Loftis was rendered unconscious and painfully wounded by an enemy mortar shell. After recovering consciousness, he continued the attack and led his men up to the right flank of the enemy, accounting for the death of the defenders and securing the position. Ordered then to assault the left flank of the ridge, he reorganized his platoon and led his men forward in the face of almost continual enemy fire. Skillfully directing his own fire and the fire of his men, Second Lieutenant Loftis materially aided in destroying the enemy force and in seizing the entire ridge, thereby contributing greatly to the success of friendly forces in the Okinawa operation. His gallant leadership and outstanding courage throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Board Serial 867, Approved February 20, 1956
Born: at Alton, Virginia
Home of Record: Durham, North Carolina

PACKANIK, WALTER
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Walter Packanik (MCSN: 369589), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on the night of 19 - 20 September 1944. One of five remaining men to gain the forward strong point on the crest of a hill late in the afternoon following a successful assault on the high coral ridges by the remnants of his company, Private First Class Packanik courageously assisted in defending the ridge against violent Japanese counter attacks throughout the night, repeatedly exposing himself to intense hostile fire in order to direct his own fire more accurately and at one time engaging five of the enemy in hand-to-hand combat when they reached his position. Undaunted in his efforts although his ammunition was exhausted shortly before dawn he tenaciously continued his heroic resistance furiously hurling rocks and stones down upon the enemy and fighting hand-to-hand until mortally wounded during the fierce action. Private First Class Packanik's aggressive determination, indomitable fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions contributed materially to the success of our forces in repulsing the enemy attack and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Untied States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

PARMAN, CARROLL D.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Carroll D. Parman (MCSN: 547158), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an ammunition bearer of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 28 February 1945. During an intense enemy attack Private First Class Parman observed hostile fire kill or wound all the members of a machine gun squad, thereby rendering the weapon accessible to the enemy. When the enemy was approaching the gun under intense protective rifle fire he went forward alone to the weapon and succeeded in retrieving it thereby preventing its falling into the hands of the Japanese. His bold initiative and courageous fighting spirit reflect the highest credit on Private First Class Parman and the United States Naval Service.
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 43550
Born: Weslaco, Texas
Hometown: San Marcos, Texas

POWERS, CHARLES R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Powers (401644), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during the Battle of Piva Forks, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 18 to 26 November 1943, as body guard and escort for the Regimental Catholic Chaplain. Sergeant Powers courageously remained with the assault troops at the front lines throughout the entire engagement, exposing himself continuously to intense enemy rifle, machine gun, artillery and mortar fire while locating the wounded and in protecting and assisting the chaplain in conducting last rites and rendering aid and comfort to the wounded. On several occasions, he unhesitatingly proceeded beyond combat lines in a valiant attempt to locate the dead and injured, subsequently guiding and assisting stretcher bearers through dense jungle undergrowth and in the evacuation of casualties. On 25 November when the chaplain was attacked while evacuating a wounded Marine, Sergeant Powers destroyed the attackers. Sergeant Powers' great personal valor and devotion to duty undoubtedly saved the lives of many men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

ROBINSON, JOHN K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Private First Class John K. Robin, United States Marine Corps Reserve for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Tank Liason Team of Company A, Fifth Tank Battalion, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Voluntarily leaving his shelter and proceeding across the open beach in the face of intense enemy small-arms, mortar and artillery fire, Private First Class Robinson personally led the tanks across the beach, through and around numerous mines and up the terraces to the infantry lines. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

ROOSEVELT, JAMES R.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Army Award) to James R. Roosevelt (0-5477), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving as Intelligence and War Plans Officer, Amphibious Training Command, Pacific Fleet, and attached to the 27th Infantry Division (U.S. Army), at Makin Atoll, during the period 20 to 23 November 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt voluntarily sought out the scene of the heaviest fighting. Throughout the three-day period, he continually accompanied the landing elements of the assault, exposing himself to constant danger. His calmness under fire and presence among the foremost elements of the attacking force was a source of inspiration to all ranks.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Central Pacific Area, General Orders Number 55 (1944)
Born: December 23, 1907 at New York, New York
Home of Record: Beverly Hills, California
Other Award: Navy Cross (WWII)

*SCOTT, MICHAEL (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Michael Scott, Jr. (MCSN:263067), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan, in the Marianas, on 7 July 1944.When a light Japanese tank penetrated the area of his battery position and inflicted serious casualties, Platoon Sergeant Scott unhesitatingly exposed himself to the terrific concentration of enemy fire in a determined effort to evacuate the wounded and, working with tireless efficiency, twice made his way from the front to the rear under continuous hostile barrages. Tenaciously persisting in his valiant efforts, he succeeded in removing several wounded Marines before he himself was fatally struck down while returning for the third time to the front line. By his resolute initiative, unfaltering skill and great personal courage, Sergeant Scott contributed materially to the saving of his comrades, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty during a period of fierce hostilities was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country

SHAPLEY, ALAN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Alan Shapley (0-4272), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallant and courageous conduct during the attack on the United States Pacific Fleet by enemy Japanese forces in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, while on board the U.S.S. ARIZONA (BB-39), on 7 December 1941. While swimming toward Ford Island after his ship had been bombed and set afire by the enemy, Major Shapley noticed a shipmate in distress in the water and about to go under. With no thought for his own safety, he braved the hazards of continuous enemy strafing and bombing to swim to the assistance of his helpless shipmate and, although exhausted himself, persisted in his efforts until he finally succeeded in bringing him safely ashore. His heroic action, performed at great peril to his own life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 308 (November 1941)
Born: at New York, New York
Home of Record: New York, New York

SIVICKY, EDWARD J.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Edward J. Sivicky (MCSN: 468150), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Demolition Corporal of a Rifle Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Realizing the necessity of demolishing two enemy cave positions which were holding up his platoon's advance, Corporal Sivicky voluntarily entered enemy territory under cover of darkness to place demolition charges in position and, although seriously wounded by a hand grenade while approaching the emplacement, succeeded in destroying both strong points and enemy personnel therein. His courage, fortitude and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: West Rutland, Vermont

WATERS, VERNON J. H.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (posthumously) to Corporal J. H. Waters (MCSN: 854581), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Demolition Sergeant while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 28 February 1945. Determined to neutralize the devastating enemy fire which was inflicting heavy casualties on his company, Corporal Waters courageously volunteered to advance and destroy two mutually supporting Japanese pill boxes. Fearlessly disregarding the blasting fury of the hostile barrage, he worked his way across thirty yards of open; fire swept terrain and, charging furiously, destroyed one emplacement while under direct fire from the other. Then, advancing on the second Japanese fortification in the face of savagely continued of opposition, he carefully places and detonated a demolition charge thereby destroying the second pill box. Instantly rushed by three of the enemy from a near-by cave, he hurdled a deadly grenade at the charging group and annihilate all three. Boldly aggressive in combat, Corporal Waters, by his dauntless valor and cool decision during a critical period of action, contributed materially to the advance of his unlit and unwavering devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Hometown: Froid, Montana

WOOLDRIDGE, JOSEPH ROY
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Third Marine Raider Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area on 5 November 1943. Established in entrenchments at nightfall, Wooldridge and other members of his company were given strict orders to remain in their foxholes and warned that any man who failed to comply would be regarded as an enemy and dealt with accordingly. When a Japanese infiltration party crept stealthily into the area and succeeded in knifing three marines. Wooldridge, at the risk of attracting both friendly and hostile fire, crawled to a distance of 20 yards to reach the injured men. There, in total darkness, he located all of their wounds by sense of touch, stopping the bleeding, applied bandages and kept protective watch over them until they could be evacuated the following morning. His courageous initiative, employed with utter disregard of personal safety, undoubtedly saved the lives of three comrades who otherwise might have perished.
Hometown: Albany, Oregon