Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant (Second-lieutenant)

Unit:

21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division "Fighting Third", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Milton C. Marvin (0-24040), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving in charge of a Flame-Thrower and Demolitions Section and later as a Rifle Platoon Leader attached to the Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, from 21 to 27 July 1944. Constantly inspiring his men with confidence and determination, Second Lieutenant Marvin directed the combat operations of his units skillfully and without regard for his own safety during several days of bitter fighting in a highly strategic area. Upon locating two enemy pillboxes which menaced the security of newly-won ground after rifle units had seized a ridge commanding the entire beachhead on 25 July, he courageously led his men over thirty yards of fire-swept terrain and destroyed the emplacements, killing two of the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Later the same day, he again led his men against a heavily-defended cave and, failing to neutralize the hostile position with flame and grenades, personally advanced to the entrance of the cave and placed a charge of explosives which demolished the emplacement. Ordered to reinforce a point in the weakened defense lines during a fierce Japanese attack, he fought tirelessly throughout the night in the face of withering enemy fire and contributed materially to the successful resistance of our forces against great odds. Subsequently leading a rifle platoon in an assault on an area strongly protected by caves and emplacements, he valiantly made his way forward with two of his men and destroyed three of the positions, but was mortally wounded while attempting to wipe out the fourth. Second Lieutenant Marvin's indomitable fighting spirit, brilliant initiative and resolute conduct throughout this extremely vital period reflect the highest credit upon himself, his heroic command and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 00143 (12 March 1945).
Posthumously awarded.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gunnery Sergeant

Unit:

3rd Marine Division "Fighting Third", U.S. Marine Corps

For action performed on the island Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea.

Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant (Second-lieutenant)

Unit:

21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division "Fighting Third", U.S. Marine Corps