Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 22 – 25, 1944

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 12838 (January 18, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Mark Hall (MCSN: 0-28409), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Rifle Platoon Leader attached to the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Island from 22 to 25 July 1944. When Japanese forces launched numerous vicious counter attacks against the sector of the beachhead line occupied by his platoon, Second Lieutenant Hall repeatedly braved intense hostile fire during three consecutive nights of bitter action, fearlessly advancing the entire length of his platoon within each two hour period throughout the hours of darkness to instruct his men and encourage them to hold fast despite the tremendous odds. Informed that a strong force of Japanese were entrenched in caves in a rock quarry during a perilous engagement on 25 July he skillfully deployed his platoon then accompanied a scout to a point where the lead scout had been wounded and while throwing grenades into the hostile emplacement was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his fearless initiative, great personal valor and inspiring leadership in the face of grave peril, Second Lieutenant Hall contributed immeasurably to the success of our forces in recapturing this vital Japanese stronghold, and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.