Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class James C. Donnelly (MCSN: 924239), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. When a heavy and continuing artillery barrage and concentration of hostile small-arms fire check the advance of his company and inflicted many casualties, Private First Class Donnelly discovered two of his comrades lying wounded and incapable of movement several yards in front of our lines. Quickly stripping himself of his weapon and equipment, he courageously went forward alone and unarmed across an open fire-swept are to give them aid. Realizing the extreme danger of remaining in this position, he immediately lifted one of the Marines to his back and ran through a hail of enemy fire to a covered position. Returning, he lifted the second man, who was at least sixty pounds heavier than himself, to his back and crawled back to friendly positions, again drawing an intense concentration of fire from the Japanese. He then remained in a covered position with his two comrades, administering first aid until the arrival of a hospital corpsman. By his intrepidity, initiative and unselfish concern for the welfare of others, Private First Class Donnelly upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received