Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    24th Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    March 1, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 35925 (September 20, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Harold J. Shorette (MCSN: 321754), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Gunner of a Machine Gun Squad while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. Constantly alert and skillful in detecting his targets, Private Shorette was quick to act when a friendly rifle platoon was suddenly subjected to a terrific onslaught of heavy enemy fire while waging a relentless attack and, quickly locating the source of the firepower, voluntarily set up his gun in an exposed position and promptly delivered effective supporting fire, thereby releasing the besieged unit for further attack. Undaunted when, with his ammunition expended, the overwhelming volume of Japanese fire cut him off from friendly elements, he skillfully caught additional ammunition thrown to his position across the fireswept area and valiantly continued to direct a smashing barrage against the enemy until he collapsed, fatally wounded. A fearless and intrepid fighter, Private Shorette, by his courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty throughout a critical situation upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.