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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Darius W. Latch (MCSN: 512249), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in a Platoon of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 15 June 1944. When his platoon was viciously fired upon from a hostile trench-line several yards inland shortly after landing on D-Day, Private Latch unhesitatingly pressed forward despite the extreme danger and boldly engaged and killed a Japanese soldier. Breaking his weapon during the fierce action, he fearlessly continued his assault by leaping into the entrenchment and fighting the Japanese bare-handed until help arrived. By his extremely heroic action in disorganizing the enemy, Private Latch enabled his comrades to charge the emplacement and quickly overcome all resistance. His daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and indomitable fighting spirit throughout the bitter hostilities were an inspiration to those with whom he served and reflect the highest credit upon Private Latch and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1945
    SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 43550

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Darius W. Latch (MCSN: 512249), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader in a Platoon of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 10 March 1945. When intense enemy machine-gun fire held up the advance of his platoon, Private First Class Latch located a strongly fortified cliff-line position and, although other attempts to destroy the emplacement failed, charged twice, unarmed, in the face of fierce hostile machine-gun and sniper fire to place demolition charges at the mouth of the cave. As these charges failed to silence the Japanese, he scaled the cliff to a position above the hostile cave and twice lowered himself at great risk to drop two more demolition charges with the result that he destroyed the position and the enemy within. By his aggressive fighting spirit and cool courage, Private First Class Latch enabled his company to advance, and his exemplary conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.