Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Harold F. Cross (MCSN: 449475), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Runner of Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 8 July 1944. Fired upon by enemy riflemen while on a mission to discover the location of advanced elements of his company, Corporal Cross continued his search until he found two wounded members of his company on the beach and although wounded himself by enemy hand grenades, remained to protect the men and to point out hostile positions to arrive reinforcements. Despite his wounds, he destroyed six of the enemy during the action. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Cross and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    2d Marines

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 29, 1944
    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 6068

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harold F. Cross (MCSN: 449475), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Patrol of Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian Mariana Islands on 29 July 1944. With his fifteen-man patrol under intense enemy machine gun fire, Private First Class Cross went to the aid of four wounded Marines and carried them to safety. Then, acting as a runner between tanks which had been sent to the patrol’s aid he contributed to the destruction of six enemy machine guns and approximately twelve hostile riflemen. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Cross and the United States Naval Service.