Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

2nd Tank Battalion, HQ, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

January 26th, 1948

"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a member of the Reconnaissance Party of the SECOND Tank Battalion, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. When the lane of channel markers laid by his party over a shell-and-bomb-pocked coral reef was swept away, Private Tobey unhesitatingly served as a human marker under intense, persistent enemy fire and, after the tanks had safely reached the island, immediately made his way forward one hundred and fifty yards inside the hostile lines to a disabled tank, guided it back through his own lines to the beach and was highly instrumental in restoring it to operating condition. Private Tobey''s splendid initiative, inspiring conduct and fearless devotion to duty were i n keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 0647