Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps

For meritorious achievement as a Mortar Section Commander of
Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, Fourth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 17 June 1944. A determined and aggressive fighter, First Lieutenant McDaniel boldly exposed himself to relentless Japanese fire in order to make observations which would enable him to direct his section's fire more accurately and, until wounded, rendered valuable assistance to his commanding officer in directing the emplacement of a machine gun from an adjacent unit on his company's flank and in coordinating the activities of both groups. Under attack with his men throughout this process, First Lieutenant McDaniel, by his zealous efforts and cool courage, contributed materially to the success of his company's mission, and his selfless devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

With "V" combat device.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company
C, First Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, Fourth Marine Division, in action
against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 February 1945. During a counterattack by a numerically superior enemy force which was coordinated with continuing heavy fire from the company's flank, Captain McDaniel moved through his company directing its fire to repel the attack, which at some points resulted in hand-to-hand fighting. When the attack was beaten off with great loss to the Japanese and his company's ammunition supply was almost exhausted, he ordered the company to withdraw one hundred yards to more favorable ground, remaining with the remnants of two machine gun squads to cover the withdrawal. Rejoining his company which had lost almost half of its personnel, he reorganized his men and held this line for the remainder of the day and night. His outstanding leadership and courage were important factors in maintaining the combat efficiency of his company at a critical period. His unswerving devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 44965.