Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant George Simon Sulliman (MCSN: 0-49450), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Map’yong-ni, Korea, on 24 April 1951. Observing approximately one hundred twenty-five of the enemy charging toward his position on his battalion’s exposed left flank as his company was reorganizing to occupy new defense positions near Hill 435, First Lieutenant Sulliman quickly shouted a warning and rallied the extremely limited friendly troops available into position to attack. Almost instantly the fanatical force approached to within twenty-five yards of the exposed flank, attacking with automatic weapons, mortars and devastating hand grenade barrages as First Lieutenant Sulliman crawled from position to position, controlling his men, pointing out targets and shouting words of encouragement, instilling in his men the will and determination to hold at all costs. When a heavy machine gun jammed and failed to fire at the height of the furious battle as the attackers advanced to within feet of the area, he ordered fixed bayonets, then charged toward the forward slope of the hill where the heavy gun was located and leaped into the exposed emplacement, manning the gun himself when the gunner was struck by enemy fire and seriously wounded. Fending off the attackers and attempting to clear the gun as the enemy advanced almost to the muzzle of the weapon, he was desperately trying to put the gun into action when he himself was fatally wounded. First Lieutenant Sulliman’s indomitable courage, brilliant and forceful leadership and great personal valor maintained against tremendous odds, served as the driving force which spirited his men to fight a brief but fierce battle which ultimately ended in victory, and his fortitude and devotion to duty sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awards Received