Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Major Roger G. B. Broome (MCSN: 0-6776), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Regimental Weapons Company, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against the enemy Japanese-held island of Saipan, Marianas Group, 16 June to 8 July 1944. When our advance was held up by a battery of enemy mountain artillery on 16 June, Major Broome organized and coordinated an attack with infantry units to bring up his 37-mm. gun platoon, outflank the hostile position and capture it. Acting on his own initiative on 5 July, he braved the heavy fire of enemy small arms to move forward into a narrow wooded defile with a 75-mm. self-propelled gun and bringing effective fire to bear on Japanese holed up in inaccessible caves, successfully attacked and enabled the infantry to advance. Daring and courageous in his determination to close with the enemy at every opportunity, Major Broome carried out many hazardous reconnaissance missions under every type of enemy fire and, by his brilliant combat tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, aided essentially in the success achieved by our forces during this critical period of offensive action. His forceful leadership and his inspiring and fearless conduct under fire reflect the highest credit upon Major Broome and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received