Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
J.
Spillane
November 1, 1918

–

March 28, 1996

During the summer of 1944, John Spillane’s story was featured in the New York Journal American and caught the attention of William White, general manager of the Skouras Theaters Corporation, a movie theater chain based in St. Louis. Wanting to help the Marine hero, White arranged for Spillane to attend a World Series game between the Browns and Cardinals. He got the Marine Corps to agree to a ten-day furlough and flew Spillane to St. Louis, where he attended game four at SportsmanÕs Park and got to sit in the CardinalsÕ dugout and meet the players before watching the game from a box seat alongside Donald L. Barnes, president of the Browns.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Amphibian Tractor Battalion

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 20, 1943
    SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 0647

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal John J. Spillane (MCSN: 311385), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Crew Chief of an Amphibian Tractor of Company A, SECOND Amphibian Tractor Battalion, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert islands, on 20 November 1943. When several enemy grenades were thrown into the troop-filled cargo compartment of his tractor during the initial assault, Corporal Spillane unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, began throwing the grenades out of the vehicle, successfully disposing of two before the third exploded in his hand and inflicted severe, multiple wounds. Corporal Spillane’s splendid initiative, fearless action and self-sacrificing devotion to duty in the face of grave peril undoubtedly saved the lives of his companions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.