Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company I, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Hubert C. Luther (MCSN: 365432), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Leader of a Rifle Squad in an Assault Company of the Third Battalion, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. While leading his squad forward in an attack, Corporal Luther observed an enemy 40-mm. gun on his left firing on boats of succeeding waves attempting to land on the beach. Although the weapon was outside of his assigned zone of action, Corporal Luther quickly reorganized his depleted squad and, on his own initiative, led his men in a daring assault on the hostile emplacement and skillfully destroyed the gun and its crew with hand grenades before he was killed. Corporal Luther's great personal valor and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Posthumously awarded.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company I, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps