Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Sergeant

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Wilbur McC. Burgess (351916), First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as First Sergeant of Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Landing with his company on the beach, First Sergeant Burgess located two enemy pillboxes which were firing on our troops attempting to land and, promptly enlisting the aid of a rifle grenadier, directed accurate grenade fire at the first emplacement until it was temporarily put out of action, then crawled to the position and completely destroyed it with TNT. Maintaining his high courage and aggressive determination, he approached to within five yards of the second pillbox and threw TNT and grenades into the opening, forcing out two of the enemy who were casualties, he courageously assumed command and, although he had only a few men left following a valiant crossing of the exposed landing strip under intense, persistent Japanese fire, tenaciously continued the attack and rendered invaluable assistance in defeating a hostile counterattack. First Sergeant Burgess' splendid initiative, gallant leadership and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril were an inspiration to his comrades and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Sergeant

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps