Navy Federal Credit Union

Guy Gabaldon, nicknamed the “Pied Piper of Saipan”, enlisted in the Marine Corps on his 17th birthday and arrived on Saipan on D-Day. His military career was cut short after 2 1/2 years by injuries from machine gun fire. He spent the years that followed running a variety of businesses, including a furniture store, a fishing operation and an import-export firm, and made an unsuccessful try for a California congressional seat in 1964.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    2d Marines

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 15 – August 1, 1944

    Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 23, 1960

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Guy L. Gabaldon (MCSN: 517054), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, South Pacific Area, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Acting as a Japanese Interpreter for the Second Marines, Private First Class Gabaldon displayed extreme courage and initiative in single-handedly capturing enemy civilian and military personnel during the Saipan and Tinian operations. Working alone in front of the lines, he daringly entered enemy caves, pillboxes, buildings, and jungle brush, frequently in the face of hostile fire, and succeeded in not only obtaining vital military information, but in capturing well over one thousand enemy civilians and troops. Through his valiant and distinguished exploits, Private First Class Gabaldon made an important contribution to the successful prosecution of the campaign and, through his efforts, a definite humane treatment of civilian prisoners was assured. His courageous and inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.