Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Action Date:

    February 21, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 34293 (May 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John L. Hurd (MCSN: 337386), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Sergeant Hurd was in command of a patrol sent out from a Marine Medium Artillery Battery with the mission of reconnoitering and, if feasible, destroying a Japanese pillbox which had fields of fire over the battery area. The patrol was taken under intense machine gun fire from the pillbox, and several casualties were inflicted. Sergeant Hurd constantly exposed himself to fire, despite grave danger to himself, led his men to the accomplishment of their mission, and while still under fire took charge of the evacuation of the dead and wounded. His great personal courage, initiative, leadership, and fearless example which he set to the men in his charge were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.