Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 79496 (September 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Victor Bantilan, Jr. (MCSN: 839797), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifleman of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 18 May 1945. During an attack by his company on a strongly-fortified enemy hill, Private First Class Bantilan crawled to the crest of the high ground in the face of intense hostile fire and hurled hand grenades on the position, causing numerous casualties and confusion among the Japanese. Although suffering wounds in the head from grenade fragments, he refused to be evacuated and, voluntarily returning to the base of the hill for more grenades, once again climbed to the top and destroyed five of the enemy. In the course of this action, he received another wound in the head and was evacuated. His outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.