Here’s today’s heroes. There are quite a few on the 17th of June in 1944. Heavy fighting in the Pacific led to those fine Marines and their heroism.
Bertram Ream
Place of birth: Elizabethtown, Pa.
Home of record: Elizabethtown, Pa.Awards and Citations
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War I
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal Bertram Lee Ream (MCSN: 87355), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Seventy-Fifth Company, Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on 17 June 1918. Corporal Ream and a comrade left shelter and went 200 yards in the open under fire of the enemy and carried a wounded infantry soldier back to his lines, thereby demonstrating heroic and voluntary disregard of self to save one who could not help himself.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: CorporalWar Department, General Orders No. 101 (1918)
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War I
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Bertram Lee Ream (MCSN: 87355), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 75th Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on 17 June 1918. Corporal Ream and a comrade left shelter and went 200 yards in the open under fire of the enemy and carried a wounded infantry soldier back to his lines, thereby demonstrating heroic and voluntary disregard of self to save one who could not help himself.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private
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James Pretty
Place of birth: Mansfield, Mo.
Home of record: Salt Lake City, UtahAwards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Second Nicaraguan Campaign
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Francis E. Pierce (MCSN: 0-765), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and coolness under fire while acting as observer in the leading plane of an air patrol during an engagement with outlaws in the vicinity of Murra, Nicaragua, on 19 March 1928. Although painfully wounded early in the fight Captain Pierce with great courage and determination kept his gun in action with telling effect until due to loss of blood, he was removed from the plane in a fainting condition at the nearest emergency flying field.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: CaptainAuthority – USMC Communiqué: 0765-1-3 (24 July 1928)
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War I
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private James Lewis Pretty (MCSN: 97256), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Twenty-Third Company, Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on 17 June 1918. Private Pretty and a comrade left shelter and went 200 yards in the open under fire of the enemy and carried a wounded infantry soldier back to his lines, thereby demonstrating heroic and voluntary disregard of self to save one who could not help himself.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: PrivateWar Department, General Orders No. 101 (1918)
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War I
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private James Lewis Pretty (MCSN: 97256), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 23d Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on 17 June 1918. Private Pretty and a comrade left shelter and went 200 yards in the open under fire of the enemy and carried a wounded infantry soldier back to his lines, thereby demonstrating heroic and voluntary disregard of self to save one who could not help himself.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private
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John Klunk
Place of birth: Sheboygan, Wis.
Home of record: Sheboygan, Wis.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class John Klunk (MCSN: 442679), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 June 1944. Serving with an antitank rocket team in the front lines when the enemy launched a heavy tank and infantry attack, Private First Class Klunk unhesitatingly left the protection of his emplacement to fire on the tanks and, despite the heavy hostile fire, moved about courageously and fired on the Japanese tanks at extremely close range. Scoring hits on three of the tanks with four rocket shells, he contributed materially to the successful repulse of the attack and, by his initiative, bravery and zealous devotion to duty throughout, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Private First Class
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6887
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Claude Rollen
Place of birth: Grandview, Texas
Home of record: San Diego, Calif.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Claude G. Rollen (MCSN: 0-11091), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. When his company sector was undergoing a heavy attack by hostile tanks and supporting infantry, Captain Rollen remained cool and aggressive, although his company area was penetrated and overrun by the enemy and heavy casualties were sustained. As the tanks were approaching his Command Post Area at one stage of the action, he left his protected position and fired upon two tanks with antitank grenades and, although the resultant explosion broke his eardrums, continued to carry out his duties and control his company until ordered to be evacuated after the attack had been successfully repulsed. His outstanding courage, inspiring leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Captain
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6067 (SofN Signed January 26, 1948)
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Lyle Specht
Date of birth: 26 Nov. 1918
Place of birth: Silverton, Ore.
Home of record: Silverton, Ore.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Lyle E. Specht (MCSN: 0-8911), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. After his company had supported two other companies in seizing a ridge, the battalion’s objective, Captain Specht ordered his men forward to assist in holding the ground gained. Realizing that the right flank of the battalion was no longer secure because of numerous casualties, he sent two platoons of his company to reinforce it. Seeing the platoon withdraw to a reverse slope following an intense barrage of enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, Captain Specht immediately proceeded to the top of the ridge despite the hostile gunfire and, rallying his men, led them in retaking the ridge and repulsing the subsequent counterattack of a strong Japanese unit. By his leadership, courage and devotion to duty throughout these hazardous operations, Captain Specht upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Captain
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 8745
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Charles Merritt
Place of birth: Greenville, S.C.
Home of record: Greenville, S.C.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Charles D. Merritt (MCSN: 365182), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of an Antitank Rocket Team of Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 June 1944. During a fierce enemy tank and infantry attack at night, Private First Class Merritt moved out to meet the hostile tanks and, bringing his fire to bear on the vehicles, succeeded in hitting and putting out of action seven hostile tanks while firing only seven rounds of ammunition. His intrepid spirit, great personal valor and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Merritt and the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Private First Class
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6685
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Richard Lynes
Place of birth: Morris, Ill.
Home of record: Morris, Ill.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Richard J. Lynes (MCSN: 375564), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. When hostile forces launched a fierce counterattack following his platoon’s seizure of a strategic hill and proceeded to close for hand-to-hand combat, Corporal Lynes promptly shot two of three Japanese personnel who charged him. When the third man advanced waving his saber, he succeeded in throwing him to the ground despite his own painful wounds and, disarming him, killed him with the saber. By his leadership and courage, Corporal Lynes contributed materially to breaking up the enemy counterattack, and his devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Sergeant
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 8745
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Frederick Stott
Place of birth: Andover, Mass.
Home of record: Andover, Mass.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Frederick A. Stott (MCSN: 0-14173), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Liaison Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 and 18 June 1944. Personally contacting the various commanders in the front lines at a critical time on the third day in this decisive battle, First Lieutenant Stott efficiently organized a coordinated attack by tank, infantry and amphibian tank units, maintaining this coordination while riding in the tank commander’s vehicle to confer with the infantry officers, aiding them in directing the tanks to specific targets and in maintaining proper speed and course. On the following day, he helped coordinate a similar attack while riding in an amphibian tank and, although considerably shaken when the tank was set afire by a large caliber shell, left the burning tank and proceeded on foot to assist in bringing the attack to a successful conclusion. His initiative, leadership and determination in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: First Lieutenant
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 12109 (SofN Signed October 28, 1947).
Horace Narveson
Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Horace A. Narveson (MCSN: 507713), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with an Antitank Rocket Team of Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 June 1944. During a night attack by enemy infantry and heavy tanks, Private First Class Narveson braved the intense fire to lead his team from its protected position to attack the tanks. Scoring hits on three tanks with four rocket shells, he contributed materially to the successful repulse of the enemy. His intrepid spirit, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Narveson and the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Private First Class
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6685 (SofN Signed January 28, 1948)
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Alex Smith
Place of birth: Magee, Miss.
Home of record: Forest, La.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Alex B. Smith (MCSN: 297786), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. When his squad’s machine-gun fire failed to halt the advance of three oncoming tanks during an enemy counterattack, Corporal Smith courageously left his position and, armed only with a carbine and an antitank grenade launcher, attacked and put out of action all three of the Japanese tanks. His determination, fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Sergeant
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6887
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Frederick Cramer
Place of birth: Clallam Bay, Wash.
Home of record: Sequim, Wash.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Frederick W. Cramer (MCSN: 337558), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 17 June 1944. Manning his machine-gun with determined aggressiveness during a fierce tank-supported Japanese counterattack, Private First Class Cramer poured a steady stream of devastating gunfire at the oncoming enemy forces until his position was ruthlessly overrun by an enemy tank. Armed only with a pistol and hand grenades, he fearlessly risked his life to run alongside the tank and, firing his gun at the tank commander and hurling a grenade into the open hatch, he succeeded in damaging and disabling the armored vehicle. By his intrepid initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor, Private First Class Cramer aided materially in the successful defense of his sector, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout a period of bitter hostilities reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 255 (February 6, 1945)
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Rathvon Tompkins
Place of birth: Boulder, Colo.
Home of record: Denver, Colo.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Rathvon McC. Tompkins (MCSN: 0-5269), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 17 June 1944. Summoned from a distant section of the front when the commanding officer of a hard-pressed battalion became a casualty, Lieutenant Colonel Tompkins found that the unit’s advance had been held up by a swamp heavily infested with Japanese snipers, a cliff honeycombed with powerful hostile gun emplacements, and an elaborate trench system in a cocoanut grove. Determined to seize these terrain features before dusk, he unhesitatingly risked his life to make a hasty reconnaissance of the front lines. Rallying the weary troops who had fought bitterly all day with but slight gain, he skillfully disposed his tanks for maximum combat efficiency and led his men in a brilliantly executed attack against these vital objectives, waging battle with relentless fury and reducing the Japanese strongpoints according to plan. An inspiring leader, Lieutenant Colonel Tompkins, by his bold tactics, decisive judgment and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming opposition, contributed essentially to the ultimate conquest of this important enemy base, and his great personal valor and constant devotion to duty throughout a period of fierce hostilities reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6067 (SofN Signed May 26, 1945).
Herbert Hodges
Place of birth: Louisville, Ky. |
Home of record: Anchorage, Ky.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Herbert J. Hodges (MCSN: 374695), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Gunner in an Antitank Rocket Team of Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 June 1944. During a fierce enemy tank and infantry attack at night, Private First Class Hodges moved out to meet the hostile tanks and, bringing his fire to bear on the vehicles, succeeded in hitting and putting out of action, seven hostile tanks while firing only seven rounds of ammunition. His intrepid spirit, great personal valor and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Hodges and the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6685 (SofN Signed January 28, 1948).
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Robert Hund
Place of birth: Mascoutah, Ill.
Home of record: Mascoutah, Ill.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Robert J. Hund (MCSN: 458775), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 June 1944. Armed with a bazooka during an intense hostile counterattack against our tanks in the hours before dawn, Private First Class Hund worked his way from his position into a front line area to assist in repelling the assault, scoring direct hits on a Japanese tank with his accurate gunfire. Although subjected to a continuous barrage from hostile machine guns, he courageously crawled into an open field to secure a better firing position and, advancing against an approaching tank, registered several well-placed rounds. While preparing to turn his weapon on a third tank which was moving into the area, he suffered severe wounds. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Private First Class
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6112
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James Nelson
Place of birth: St. Louis, Mo.
Home of record: St. Louis, Mo.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class James J. Nelson (MCSN: 810731), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. When his company’s sector was heavily attacked by enemy tanks during the early morning hours, Private First Class Nelson personally attacked one of the vehicles with antitank grenades, setting it on fire. As the crew attempted to escape from the burning tank, he disregarded the fire directed at him from another tank and succeeded in annihilating the entire crew. Quickly changing his position to bring fire to bear on the supporting Japanese infantry, he inflicted heavy casualties on the approaching hostile troops with his accurate rifle fire. By his cool courage, great personal valor and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to our success in this area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 8418
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Clyde Simmons
Home of record: Texas City, TexasAwards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Clyde A. Simmons (MCSN: 269471), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Section Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 June 1944. When the front lines were attacked by enemy tanks during the predawn hours, Corporal Simmons skillfully led his bazooka section to assist the troops under attack and, although subjected to intense hostile fire along the route, courageously directed his men over open fields and under total darkness to contact the Japanese. When three hostile tanks approached simultaneously, he immediately manned the weapon of one of his seriously wounded men and scored hits on all three vehicles, although continuously exposed to intense enemy fire. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Sergeant
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 341 (August 1945)
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John Watson
Place of birth: Des Moines, Iowa
Home of record: El Segundo, Calif.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal John E. Watson (MCSN: 348449), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. When his battalion was attacked by hostile tanks during hours of darkness, Private First Class Watson unhesitatingly left the safety of his foxhole and voluntarily led an assault on one of the Japanese tanks. Throwing two incendiary grenades, he stopped the tank and then killed its occupants as they attempted to escape. Continuing to render valiant service, he braved intense machine-gun fire from another enemy tank to carry a wounded comrade to safety. Later, he again exposed himself to intense enemy machine-gun and sniper fire to cross open terrain and bring back to the comparative safety of our lines his mortally wounded Company Commander. By his initiative, courage and zealous devotion to duty throughout, he contributed materially to the success of our forces and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Corporal
Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6887
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Robert Reed
Place of birth: Ozark, Ark. |
Home of record: Richmond, Calif.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Robert S. Reed (MCSN: 317507), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Saipan, Marianas islands, 17 June 1944. During a Japanese tank attack which took place under the cover of darkness, Private Reed accounted for four hits on four different hostile tanks with his rocket launcher and, after running out of rockets, climbed upon a fifth tank and dropped an incendiary grenade in the turret, thereby disabling the enemy vehicle. His aggressive courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6067
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Joseph Shawn
Place of birth: Saratoga, Texas
Home of record: Liberty, TexasAwards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Joseph W. Shawn (MCSN: 331690), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Tank commander serving with Company A, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 17 June 1945. Unable, because of rough terrain, to bring his tank to bear on a hostile position which had disabled his platoon leader’s tank and was continuing to fire on the vehicle, Platoon Sergeant Shawn dismounted from his own tank and crawled forward to within grenade range and hurled white phosphorous grenades into the Japanese emplacement, creating a smoke screen and silencing the enemy fire. Under cover of the screen, he directed an infantry fire team forward to evacuate the wounded tank crew members and platoon leader. By his courageous initiative and determination in the face of grave danger, Platoon Sergeant Shawn was responsible for saving the lives of his comrades, and his valiant action reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Platoon Sergeant
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 032387 (November 6, 1945)
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George Van Daele
Place of birth: Ivanhoe, Minn.
Home of record: Rhame, N.D.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class George Van Daele (MCSN: 881251), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Group Leader of Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 17 June 1945. When his unit deployed to accomplish its assigned mission of securing commanding ground on the flank of a newly won Regimental objective, Private First Class Van Daele moved up the slope toward the objective and reached the peak just as a sudden burst of fire from a perfectly concealed hostile pillbox severely wounded an automatic rifleman who was in additional danger from an enemy grenade which landed near him. Unhesitatingly throwing himself across the wounded man, he successfully protected the casualty from the fragments caused by the explosion of the weapon. Immediately opening fire into the aperture of the pillbox, he succeeded in neutralizing the Japanese fire and enabling a flame thrower to engage the emplacement and destroy its occupants, thereby permitting the attack to continue. His resourcefulness and courageous initiative in voluntarily risking his life to save that of another reflect the highest credit on Private First Class Van Daele and the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Private First Class
Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 79496 (November 30, 1948)
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Fitzgerald Atkinson , Jr.
Place of birth: Nashville, Tenn.
Home of record: Nashville, Tenn.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Fitzgerald Atkinson, Jr. (MCSN: 0-34179), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader, attached to Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 17 June 1945. Left for dead behind enemy lines after being wounded several times by Japanese riflemen while directing the evacuation of his crew from his shelled and disabled tank, First Lieutenant Atkinson remained alone and unaided in this precarious position far in advance of friendly lines. Finally regaining consciousness, he lay motionless and, with great calmness and fortitude, carefully observed the enemy who were freely moving about him. After committing to memory the location of several Japanese installations and of flanking routes to them, he cautiously worked his way through hostile territory to our lines and succeeded in relaying this valuable information to the sector commander before allowing himself to be evacuated. By his outstanding courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Atkinson contributed materially to the successful completion of a difficult mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: First Lieutenant
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 79496 (Signed February 27, 1947)
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Edward Clapp
Awards and Citations
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Edward A. Clapp, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Inje, Korea, on 17 June 1951. Brutal crossfire from three machine-gun positions emplaced on commanding ground rained down on Private Clapp’s platoon, inflicting numerous casualties. Although his assistant gunner was wounded and all ammunition carriers were assisting in evacuating the wounded, Private Clapp remained at his post and fearlessly continued to man his machine-gun, delivering point-blank fire into the enemy positions. When the platoon initiated a limited withdrawal, Private Class selflessly remained behind to provide protective fire for the platoon. He maintained his magnificent stand until the last man had safely cleared the area and then, struggling with his heavy weapon to deny its use to the enemy, he made his way to his unit. Private Clapp’s intrepid actions and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951)
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Charles Briscoe
Home of record: Bryan, TexasAwards and Citations
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Charles H. Briscoe, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Captain Briscoe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 June 1968 while leading an infantry company. During the initial probe of an enemy battalion’s stronghold, Captain Briscoe learned that several wounded were trapped in a field raked by enemy fire. He rushed to the forefront and led an assault to recover the wounded personnel. As he and his headquarters element came in sight of the wounded they began drawing fire from two bunkers armed with heavy machine guns. He crawled toward his senior aidman who was lying wounded in a clearing, firing his submachine gun at the bunkers in an effort to pin the enemy gunner down. Unmindful of the intense small arms fire from two bunkers, Captain Briscoe, with complete disregard for his own life, single-handedly assaulted the bunkers with hand grenades destroying both of them, killing their occupants. As he dragged the wounded aidman toward cover, an intense volley of heavy machinegun fire killed the aidman, narrowly missing Captain Briscoe. In spite of continued heavy enemy fire, he returned, located, and dragged his wounded forward observer out of the line of enemy fire, being himself wounded in the process. Overcoming his own pain, he continued to pull his wounded comrade toward cover. When another burst of enemy fire killed the forward observer, Captain Briscoe began crawling backward toward his unit’s perimeter. As he attempted to evade the enemy fire, he fell into a concealed well. In spite of his wounds and awkward predicament, he kept command of his company. Calling to his radiomen above, he rallied his men and relayed the necessary instructions to form a defensive perimeter within the base camp. By relaying directions to his radiomen, Captain Briscoe directed a determined defense that successfully repulsed two enemy counterattacks. Following his rescue from the well, Captain Briscoe directed air strikes into the base camp to cover his company’s withdrawal to a more defensible position and remained throughout the seven-hour battle, refusing to be evacuated until all his men had been cared for. His valor and total disregard for his own safety inspired his men to success against a numerically larger enemy force. Captain Briscoe’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Service: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 31 (July 1, 1971)
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Roger Rosenberger
Date of birth: 29 July 1950
Home of record: Swartz Creek, Mich.Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Roger Dale Rosenberger (MCSN: 2484828), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 June 1969, Company M was participating in Operation VIRGINIA RIDGE approximately seven miles north of the Dong Ha Combat Base in Quang Tri Province. As the Marines crossed a large open field, the point element came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, machine gun, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from enemy forces well-concealed in a hedgerow. Observing that his companions were pinned down by the intense hostile fire, Private First Class Rosenberger unhesitatingly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to attack the most forward enemy position. Although seriously wounded and knocked to the ground by the explosion of a hostile hand grenade, he resolutely regained his footing and continued his aggressive assault against the enemy emplacement, temporarily suppressing the enemy fire. As the enemy soldiers began to retreat, one of them threw a second hand grenade at Private First Class Rosenberger, mortally wounding him. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his fellowman inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, determination and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Rosenberger contributed significantly to the subsequent defeat of the hostile force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
