Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Fighter Squadron 323 (VMF-323), Marine Aircraft Group 33 (MAG-33), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

October 23rd, 1947

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George C. Axtell, Jr. (0-6857), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer and Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron Three Hundred Twenty-Three (VMF-323), Marine Air Group Thirty-Three (MAG-33), Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Okinawa Area, on 22 April 1945. Intercepting an overwhelming force of hostile planes, Major Axtell led his squadron in a daring and skillful attack against the enemy who were threatening our Fleet units, shooting down five hostile planes, probably destroying three others and damaging three additional aircraft. By his gallant fighting spirit and expert airmanship, Major Axtell enabled our fighters to deliver a crushing blow to the Japanese without loss of aircraft or injury to our personnel, and his devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.


SPOT AWARD, Commander, 5th Fleet: Serial 634 (SofN Signed October 23, 1947).