Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Intelligence officer, 2d Battalion, 3d Marine Division

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Willis L. Kay (MCSN: 0-16584), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Intelligence Officer of the Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, on 25 July 1944. After repeated attempts had failed to locate two enemy 75-mm. guns and four 90-mm. mortars blocking the Mt. Tenjo Road, First Lieutenant Kay was sent with a patrol to locate these by-passed weapons which were concealed in a commanding area of coral rock and underbrush. Undeterred by the extreme danger, he searched the area until the two 75-mm. guns opened fire, missing him by a few yards but revealing their positions. Aware of the exact location of the emplacements, he volunteered to take command of a detail of two tanks and fifteen infantrymen armed with flame throwers and bazookas to neutralize the positions. Leading the tanks into an advantageous position in the face of enemy hand-grenade and rifle fire which killed two and wounded five of his detail, he directed tank fire into hostile emplacements approximately twenty yards away and continually walked about in full view of the enemy in order to locate new targets. As a result of his aggressive and heroic actions, two 75-mm. guns were destroyed, forty-five Japanese were annihilated with the remainder driven from their positions leaving four 90-mm. mortars behind, and his Battalion was enabled to advance. His courageous initiative and gallant devotion to duty throughout this hazardous mission reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Kay and the United States Naval Service.

Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 8583 (July 19, 1950)