Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Major William L. Crouch (MCSN: 0-5330), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 7 July 1944. When the Japanese launched a fanatical Banzai attack, completely surrounding his position and inflicting heavy casualties on his Battalion, Major Crouch valiantly fought on in the face of insuperable odds and, skillfully deploying his artillerymen to effect an infantry-type defense, held his position for a grueling twelve-hour period until relieved by infantry reserves then, aligning his men with the reserves, retook the gun positions which had been lost early in the attack. With his Battalion Command Post and an adjacent firing battery especially hard hit at the beginning of the counterattack early in the morning when an enemy tank penetrated the area and unloaded machine guns, Major Crouch led the battery in fighting off the vicious onslaught with well-directed small arms fire. Realizing the urgent need for tank support after communication lines had been severed during the bitter attack, he fearlessly braved the withering barrage to cross an open field in an effort to secure aid but was fatally struck down by hostile fire while carrying out his perilous mission. His inspiring leadership, great personal valor and valiant devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds reflect the highest credit upon Major Crouch, his command and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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