Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Lester F. Holloway (NSN: 2746238), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade, FIFTH Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands, during the period 18 through 23 February 1944. Having been attached to an assault company, he was always in the front lines tending the wounded under constant enemy fire. Even under most trying circumstances and at great personal risk he efficiently performed his duties. He was assisting the wounded when he himself was hit by enemy gunfire. When stretcher bearers reached him, he insisted that they first care for and remove his comrades who had fallen around him. He was wounded again as he lay on the ground and was unconscious when finally evacuated. His tireless efforts, his unselfish concern for the safety and well-being of his fallen comrades and his utter disregard for his personal safety contributed substantially to the saving of many lives and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received