Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    March 7, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 35177 (October 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Wesley C. Sloan (MCSN: 503450), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Gunner of a Machine Gun Squad of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 7 March 1945. With his company’s flank endangered by the movement of twenty hostile riflemen into a position commanding our front lines, Private First Class Sloan proceeded under intense Japanese Mortar and small-arms barrages to a point affording improved observation and, directing his machine gun squad in firing on the reinforcing enemy, succeeded in killing all twenty before the hostile riflemen could open fire on the Marines and disrupt the company’s advance. Falling, mortally wounded, just as he completed his daring mission, Private First Class Sloan had crushed an enemy attempt to deliver a flanking fire that would have caused many Marine casualties at a critical time during the operations against the Japanese on Iwo Jima. His initiative, fearless courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United Sates Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.