SPOT AWARD, Commander, Amphibious Forces Pacific: Serial 00585 (SofN Signed November 14, 1947)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Melvin L. Jarvis (MCSN: 0-25723), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as a Pilot of a fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-322), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat during the assault on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 14 May 1945. While flying on a defensive patrol over friendly shipping, First Lieutenant Jarvis observed an enemy suicide plane making a determined attack on a destroyer. Braving the intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire from the friendly vessel, he dived to engage the hostile plane, shooting it down within a short distance of the vessel. By his initiative, conspicuous gallantry and courageous devotion to duty, he saved the ship from serous damage and probable sinking, and his intrepid spirit upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.