Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Earl J. Mowery (MCSN: 279781), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a member of the Second Platoon, Company A, First Tank Battalion, attached to Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese armed forces at the Tenaru River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 21 August 1942. When his platoon leader’s tank became fast in a ditch while operating in the midst of the enemy, Sergeant Mowery promptly drove up and despite the peril of heavy enemy fire, climbed from his own tank, assisted with the towing cable and hauled the disabled tank from the ditch. His gallant and courageous action and his presence of mind saved the tank and its crew, thereby enabling the platoon to proceed on its mission intact. Sergeant Mowery’s meritorious devotion to duty and his complete disregard for his own safety in a situation of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    January 23, 1944

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0939 (September 9, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Earl J. Mowery (MCSN: 279781), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 23 January 1944. With his tank ammunition exhausted and the infantry pinned down by hostile machine-gun and rifle fire while he was leading an assault at Natmo Point, Sergeant Mowery unhesitatingly stopped his tank, climbed out in plain sight of the enemy and attempted to mount his antiaircraft machine gun. Seriously wounded by Japanese sniper fire during this action, he had courageously risked his life to alleviate a critical situation and his heroic conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.