Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    December 16, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Phelps W. Long, Jr. (MCSN: 418823), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, on 16 December 1943. Courageously volunteering with another man to carry a stretcher out to a dangerous position in front of his lines and bring back a wounded pharmacist’s mate, Private First Class Long made his hazardous way forward in the face of hostile fire and, under extremely difficult conditions, succeeded in placing the injured man on the stretcher. Subsequently, raising himself slightly to move up to the rear of the stretcher and pick it up, he was mortally wounded by Japanese sniper fire. Private First Class Long’s self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of the helpless corpsman and his great personal valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.