Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Merle E. Manahan (MCSN: 358154), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 19 September 1944. During an attack against a coral ridge when leading elements of the company were pinned down by an enemy machine gun which was strongly entrenched and well-concealed in a cave, Private First Class Manahan observed the situation while firing a support mission and, without orders, displaced his gun forward and advanced in the face of heavy hostile mortar, machine-gun and rifle fire until he found an exposed position from which he could observe the Japanese automatic weapon. When his gun crew became casualties, Private First Class Manahan manned his gun alone and, although wounded our times, maintained a steady volume of fire at point-blank range until he silenced the enemy weapon. By his determined efforts, he enabled the successful continuation of the attack, and his courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00597.