Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company A, 1st Engineer Battalion, HQ, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jay C. Blakely (232785), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of an Engineer Demolition Squad of Company A, First Engineer Battalion, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 15 September 1944. When a hostile tank, which was unable to advance during an intense counterattack against our lines, withdrew in reverse and continued to fire at our defending troops, Private Blakely immediately jumped on the enemy vehicle and, knocking the enemy turret gunner to the ground, dropped several hand grenades inside the tank, killing the rest of the crew and putting the tank out of operation, thereby saving the lives of many of his comrades who might have been annihilated by the tank fire. His courage, determination, and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.