Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. When enemy snipers caused several casualties and held up the advance of the Platoon, Corporal Betts voluntarily exposed himself to draw hostile fire in order to discover the position of the snipers. Rapidly locating them, he annihilated three of the enemy and, although wounded, enabled his platoon to reduce the Japanese strong point without further casualties. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

For wounds received in action on the island Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands, Japan.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

For wounds received for a second time in action on the island Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands, Japan.

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