Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 25, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00598-45

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John F. Mulcahy, Jr. (MCSN: 432149), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Group Leader of a Rifle Squad of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 25 July 1944. When his platoon was pinned down by enemy fire during an attack against strongly fortified Japanese positions, Private First Class Mulcahy volunteered to serve as a scout and, boldly moving forward, killed four Japanese riflemen. After locating an enemy automatic weapon, he made his way back to his unit and skillfully directed the fire of a machine gun to silence the hostile gun, thereby enabling his platoon to advance. Later, under intense hostile fire, he crawled thirty yards forward of his platoon to rescue a wounded comrade and, although wounded himself by enemy rifle fire at this time, aided materially in saving the man’s life. His initiative and courage throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.