- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Brigadier General (Brigadier)
- Unit:
- Landing Task Force (Solomon Islands), U.S. Marine Corps
- Awarded on:
- October 1942
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William H. Rupertus (0-852), Brigadier General, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commander of a Landing Force Task Organization comprised of the First Raider Battalion, the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, and the First Parachute Battalion, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the attack on the Solomon Islands, 7 to 9 August 1942. Despite the comparatively short time afforded him in which to organize his command, Brigadier General Rupertus quickly and efficiently assembled a provisional staff, and with their aid, his forces landed on Tulagi, Gavutu and Tanambogo, British Solomon Islands, and successfully assaulted a series of strategically disposed and strongly defended enemy positions. Personally conducting the operation and dauntlessly exposing himself to enemy fire whenever necessary, he displayed exceptional courage and cool determination which served as an inspiration to the officers and men of his command. His bold and judicious decisions and his high professional attainments contributed effectively to the success of our operations in the Tulagi Area and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.