Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

2nd Tank Battalion, HQ, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

2nd Tank Battalion, HQ, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Hubert Doug Crotts (315561), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a member of the Second Tank Battalion, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943. Arriving on a reef after the tanks had landed ashore and realizing that these vehicles would require trained reconnaissance personnel, Corporal Crotts obtained permission to call for volunteers and, leading a group of five men a distance of a thousand yards under heavy enemy fire, joined the tanks on the beach. On four occasions, he guided a tank over the most suitable terrain through our infantry lines to previously located positions behind the Japanese lines, courageously defying intense machine-gun and mortar fire. During the first night, he salvaged urgently needed ammunition from fuel from wrecked tanks and, consistently exercising splendid initiative and expert technical skill throughout this vital period, was largely responsible for keeping the one remaining tank in the area in operation. Corporal Crotts' inspiring conduct, aggressive determination and fearless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.