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 Colonel Hartnoll Jackman Withers (MCSN: 0-4070), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 28 February 1945. After our forces had reached the heart of the hostile main line of resistance at a time when a penetration of the heavily fortified enemy position was essential, Colonel Withers unhesitatingly exposed himself to intense fire in order to move out with his advance elements and control the progress of the attack more efficiently. L When a wide gap developed between his assault Battalions and it was essential that contact be regained he led his reserve into this fire swept area and for the second time within the hour moved in the very forefront of his troops. By his courageous and inspiring leadership, Colonel Withers contributed materially to the success of his unit in gaining the objective and in driving the enemy back fourteen hundred yards from their main line of resistance. His unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Batallion:

    3d Tank Battalion

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 21, 1944
    Commanding General FMF Pacific: Serial 4365 (January 12, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Hartnoll Jackman Withers (MCSN: 0-4070), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands on 21 July 1944. Landing with assault waves on Asan Beach, Colonel Withers discovered that a bank held back the progress of tanks needed immediately for the support of infantry units and disembarking from his tank personally supervised the cutting of a path through the bank by a bulldozer despite continuous fire from enemy machine guns, mortar and small arms. His resourceful initiative, courage and devotion to duty were important factors in enabling vital equipment to move forward in support of the attack and reflect the highest credit upon Colonel Withers and the United States Naval Service.