The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Ernest G. Atkin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7840), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 5 to 16 March 1945. Assuming command of a rifle company which had suffered several casualties among its company commanders and its key personnel, Major Atkin reorganized the unit and led the assault against one of the strongest hostile positions in the division zone of action. Personally directing the fire of two tanks by telephone in the face of accurate enemy fire, he was directly responsible for the two hundred yard advance of his company. When his unit depleted by casualties had to be dissolved and combined with another rifle company on 8 March, he assumed command of the remaining rifle company in the battalion, Skillfully reorganizing this company which had suffered severe personnel casualties with the result that only one original officer and one key non-commissioned officer remained, Major Atkin led an assault against the last enemy pocket of resistance in the division zone of action and seized it although it had repelled many previous attacks. His tactical skill, exemplary leadership and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Born:
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Home:
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
24th MarinesDivision:
4th Marine DivisionAction Date:
March 5 – 16, 1945
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 54754 (July 31, 1945) -
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
March 18 – 27, 1953
Commanding General, 1st Marine Division: Serial 18749 (June 3, 1953)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Ernest G. Atkin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7840), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with a Marine Infantry Regiment during operations against the enemy in Korea from 18 to 27 March 1953. Serving as Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Atkin displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence and fearless leadership in the execution of his duties. When the enemy launched two battalion size attacks against the outposts and main line of resistance positions, he skillfully employed his forces and repulsed the savage assaults while inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. Later the enemy launched two company size forces and again they were routed sustaining heavy losses. Before and during the attacks Lieutenant Colonel Atkin expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and fearlessly reconnoitered the foremost elements of his command. Although exposed to enemy mortar, artillery and sniper fire, he effectively integrated the defensive fire of the battalion and insured that maximum effective and devastating fire was brought o bear on the enemy forces. Through his intimate knowledge of the terrain, he coordinated the supporting arms with the defensive plans of his sector and was directly responsible for the success achieved. (Lieutenant Colonel Atkin is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)