Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company L, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James V. Shanley (0-8512), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while attached to the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 14 January 1944. With assault elements disorganized and suffering heavy casualties under the vicious concentration of enemy artillery, machine-gun and mortar fire after making a determined struggle up the steep slopes of Hill 660 to its crest, Captain Shanley, alert to the grim necessity of capturing the hill before nightfall, unhesitatingly made his way to the front where, as senior officer initially present, he assumed command of the elements of three different companies. Continually exposing himself to enemy fire and narrowly escaping serious injury several times as he personally led his men to strategic points, Captain Shanley skillfully organized them for a frontal assault which overwhelmed the enemy and swept them from the hill with heavy losses. His splendid leadership, unrelenting aggressiveness and staunch devotion to duty inspired the valiant officers and men of his command to supreme effort and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company L, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James V. Shanley (0-8512), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 4 October 1944. Steadily pressing forward over the extremely difficult terrain, Captain Shanley's company assaulted and captured three successive coral ridges against fanatic Japanese resistance. With the leading assault platoon pinned down at the base of the ravine by Japanese fire emanating from two higher peaks during an advance against the fourth ridge and the route of supply and reinforcement entirely severed, he valiantly exposed himself to the withering barrage to direct the withdrawal. Seeing the forward platoon leader killed and many of the men wounded immediately thereafter, Captain Shanley left his post and, risking his life in the face of the unceasing barrage, proceeded to the aid of the fallen Marines and personally carried two men to safety. Struck twice by bursting shellfire while rescuing a third, he refused evacuation and continued directing the withdrawal of the helpless platoon until succumbing to his wounds. By his brilliant leadership, great personal valor and self-sacrificing devotion to his men, Captain Shanley contributed to the saving of many lives and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.


Awarded posthumously.
This award was obtained in the form of an Gold Star to be aworn on the ribbon of the first award.