Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Headquarters Battalion

    Regiment:

    28th Marines

    Division:

    5th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    March 14, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 35921 (January 10, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Dewey A. Erickson (MCSN: 0-30284), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader attached to a Reconnaissance Company of the Headquarters Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 14 March 1945. After crossing a fire lane covered by heavy sniper and machine-gun fire as he was leading his platoon forward to fill a gap between two assault battalions, Second Lieutenant Erickson halted to encourage the members of his unit in their attempt to negotiate the hazardous crossing. When his runner was wounded by a burst of enemy fire as he started across the opening and fell to the ground in the open fire lane, Second Lieutenant Erickson immediately braved the withering machine-gun fire, and ran to his runner’s side, took him in his arms and started to carry him to a covered position where he could administer first aid. Mortally wounded by another burst of enemy fire as moved across the opening with the wounded man, he fought to remain conscious until he had successfully carried his runner to safety before he himself collapsed and died as a result of his wounds. Second Lieutenant Erickson’s gallant act of self-sacrifice inspired his men to heroic efforts in the successful accomplishment of their mission and was in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.