Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    September 24, 1950

    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 356 (April 9, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class James William O’Toole (MCSN: 566207), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Machine Gunner in Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Seoul, Korea, on 24 September 1950. Participating in an attack against 500 to 700 of the enemy heavily entrenched in well-camouflaged foxholes, Private First Class O’Toole courageously manned his gun until he was severely wounded in the back and removed for first aid treatment. Fully aware of the overwhelming opposition and the shortage of men in his company, he refused to be evacuated and, despite attempts to relieve him, gallantly returned to his gun and continued to fire until fatally wounded. His unselfish and determined actions and loyal devotion to duty were contributing factors in the successful attainment of his company’s objective, thereby reflecting the highest credit on Private First Class O’Toole and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.