Captain
United States Marine Corps Reserve
Joseph McCarthy
Captain
Joseph J. McCarthy
United States Marine Corps Reserve
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty as Commanding Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth
Marines, Fourth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during
the seizure of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Determined to
break through the enemy's cross-island defenses, Captain McCarthy acted on his
own initiative when his company advance was held up by uninterrupted Japanese
rifle, machine-gun and high velocity 47-mm. fire during the approach to Motoyama
Airfield Number two. Quickly organizing a demolitions and flamethrower team
to accompany his picked rifle squad, he fearlessly led the way across seventy-five
yards of fire-swept ground, charged a heavily fortified pillbox on the ridge
to the front and, personally hurling hand grenades into the
emplacement as he directed the combined operations of his small assault group,
completely destroyed the hostile installation. Spotting two Japanese soldiers
attempting an escape from the shattered pillbox, he boldly stood upright in
full view of the enemy and dispatched both troops before advancing to a second
emplacement under greatly intensified fire and blasted the strong fortifications
with a well- planned demolitions attack. Subsequently entering the ruins, he
found a Japanese taking aim at one of his men and with alert presence of mind
jumped the enemy, disarmed and shot him with his own weapon. Then, intent on
smashing through the narrow breach, he rallied the remainder of his company
and pressed a full attack with furious aggressiveness until he had neutralized
all resistance and captured the ridge. An inspiring leader and indomitable fighter,
Captain McCarthy consistently disregarded all personal danger during the fierce
conflict and by his brilliant professional skill, daring tactics and tenacious
perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, contributed materially to the
success of his division's operations against this savagely defended outpost
of the Japanese Empire. His cool decision and outstanding valor reflect the
highest credit upon Captain McCarthy and enhance the finest traditions of the
United States Naval Service.
HARRY
S. TRUMAN
President of the United States
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