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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gerald C. Glenn (MCSN: 504892), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Flame Thrower Operator of Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 25 September 1944. When intense machine gun fire from a hostile pillbox retarded his company’s advance during an attack on a strategic hill, Private First Class Glenn boldly worked his way up the side of the incline within approximately twenty feet of the fortification to operate his flame thrower, thereby effectively destroying the enemy position and contributing materially to the advance of his company. Although two of his comrades had been wounded later in the day while attempting the rescue of a Marine casualty, he voluntarily climbed to the crest of the hill and pulled the Marine out of fire range. His outstanding courage, devotion to duty and grave concern for the welfare of other were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1945
    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 79496

    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 Corporal Gerald C. Glenn (MCSN: 504892), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Demolitions Man of Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Hyukyu Islands, 8 May 1945. When a strong enemy counterattack forced his platoon to withdraw leaving several casualties in the previously held position, Corporal Glenn realized the critical situation of his wounded comrades, and unhesitatingly leaving a covered position, went forward to where the casualties lay. While under a concentration of enemy mortar and small-arms fire, he dragged the wounded to the comparative safety of a shell crater and threw smoke grenades to cover their further evacuation to the platoon’s new position. By his outstanding courage in the face of great danger, Corporal Glenn contributed materially to saving the lives of several comrades, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.