Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

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

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Raoul J. Archambault (0-19947), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Acting Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on 23 February 1945. Assuming command after his company sustained heavy casualties and was badly disorganized, First Lieutenant Archambault quickly reorganized the company and, personally leading his men in furious hand-to-hand fighting while under hostile frontal, flanking and enfilade fire, succeeded in seizing a strongly fortified Japanese hill position. Counterattacked and driven from the hill three times, he repeatedly led his men against the enemy and finally regained the position and effectively defended it throughout the night, although all other company officers had become casualties. By his courageous leadership, tactical skill and gallant fighting spirit, First Lieutenant Archambault was directly instrumental in making possible a break-through of the enemy's main line of defense, thereby contributing materially to the success of the Iwo Jima campaign. First Lieutenant Archambault's devotion to duty throughout this action reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Forces.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 54920-45.