Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Mark Tomlinson (0-19937), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as a Platoon Leader in a Rifle Company of the First Battalion, Eighth Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. In the face of heavy enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, Second Lieutenant Tomlinson voluntarily rode the turret of a tank directing constant fire on well camouflaged, entrenched hostile machine-gun emplacements obstructing the advance of his rifle platoon. After successfully neutralizing the enemy in that sector, he rejoined his platoon and moved forward with his unit until fired upon from additional Japanese entrenchments. Repeatedly returning to the tank turret, Second Lieutenant Tomlinson silenced numerous hostile weapons before he was fatally wounded while disembarking from the tank to rejoin his platoon. By his relentless fighting spirit, daring aggressiveness and heroic self-sacrifice, Second Lieutenant Tomlin enabled our forces to deliver a timely and devastating blow to the opposition and contributed to the saving of many lives. His cool courage under fire and unswerving devotion to duty were an inspiration to the men of his command and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awarded posthumously.