Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 24, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 51256

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Willie B. Haven (MCSN: 491430), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Rifleman of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 24 February 1945. One of three severely wounded and unconscious men left behind enemy lines when his platoon was forced to withdraw from a heavy hostile machine gun barrage, Private First Class Haven recovered consciousness that night and, after dragging his two companions to his comparative safety near friendly lines, went to his company for help. Disregarding his own critical condition, Private First Class Haven insisted on guiding a rescue party back to his comrades through heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire and after seeing them carried to safety collapsed and were evacuated. His outstanding courage and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.