The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Morse “L” Holladay (MCSN: 0-9646), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Headquarters Company, First Service Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 29 and 30 November 1950. When a numerically superior enemy force launched a concentrated attack on his sector, Captain Holladay, as second-in-command of the defense perimeter, repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to direct and encourage his group in maintaining a strong perimeter defense. Immediately assuming charge of a sub-sector when its commander was seriously wounded, he reorganized and redeployed the men and, by skillfully directing their effective fire, succeeded in repelling the hostile attack. Aware that ammunition was being rapidly depleted during attempts to stop repeated enemy assaults, he led a personally organized group of volunteers on several trips through heavy, close-range hostile fire to obtain sufficient ammunition to replenish the critically low supply, thereby contributing materially to the successful repulse of all enemy attacks and to the continued defense of the perimeter. His gallant leadership, tactical ability and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Holladay and the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
21st MarinesDivision:
3d Marine DivisionAction Date:
December 12, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Morse “L” Holladay (MCSN: 0-9646), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement as Executive Officer, Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 12 December 1943. With frontal assault troops pinned down by a barrage of hostile fire while storming heavily fortified Hill 1000 on Bougainville, Captain Holladay reconnoitered enemy dispositions and, obtaining vital information, enabled our forces to accomplish their objective. On one occasion he crept to within fifteen feet of a hostile emplacement and, hurling a hand grenade, attracted the enemy concentrated fire to locate Japanese machine-gun and sniper positions. When the advance of his company was halted by enemy fire later in the action, he personally manned a machine gun and with deadly accuracy silenced the hostile weapon. His splendid initiative, intrepid courage and gallant conduct throughout this critical, intensive action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
May 19, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Morse “L” Holladay (MCSN: 0-9646), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on the night of 19 May 1951. When his battalion was ordered into a blocking position on the left flank of the regimental zone of action, Major Holladay quickly moved his units over rugged and hazardous terrain in complete darkness, enabling other friendly units to withdraw through his lines to new positions. Although unable to make physical contact with the unit on his left, he organized a provisional platoon and effectively positioned it to guard the exposed flank. When the enemy launched a series of heavy attacks during the early morning hours, Major Holladay fearlessly exposed himself to the intense small-arms and mortar fire to personally inspect his front-line units, thereby gaining a more advantageous position to bring supporting arms to bear upon the fanatical attackers. Throughout the action, he effectively deployed his units and skillfully employed supporting weapons, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and thwarting their attempts to penetrate the battalion sector. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty, Major Holladay upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.