Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Platoon Sergeant Robert Harkness (MCSN: 270548), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 6 March 1945. Faced by exceptionally strong enemy defenses in depth located for the effective employment of cross-fire and mutual support in terrain too rough to permit the use of tanks, Platoon Sergeant Harkness realized that only close-in fighting could break the Japanese lines. Organizing his platoon, he boldly advanced at the head of his men, throwing hand grenades as me moved and completely exposing himself to a barrage of intense machine-gun and rifle fire and a concentration of hostile mortar shells. By his courageous example, he furnished his men with the incentive to launch a furious assault on the stubborn enemy defenses and, despite wounds which he received during the action, encouraged his unit to continue the close-in fighting and seize the objective. His aggressive and capable leadership, exemplary courage and unselfish devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Platoon Sergeant Harkness and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received