Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to George B. Hyland (275640), Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 2 March 1945. Acting on his own initiative when a platoon was pinned down by hostile machine-gun fire and the leader wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Hyland boldly raced through enemy fire lanes to assume command of this unit. Although severely wounded twice on the previous day and seriously wounded again in the abdomen and back during this action, he courageously pressed on in the face of continuous hostile fire. Leading his platoon forward in a determined attack, he effectively directed his men in overrunning and occupying the Japanese positions before he was evacuated. His courageous leadership, initiative and heroic devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Gunnery Sergeant Hyland and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."