Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel Merton Jennings Batchelder (MCSN: 0-53), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tinian, Mariana Islands, from 24 July to 2 August 1944. Landing on the heavily fortified beachhead with the first assault wave on D-Day in the face of intense, concentrated enemy mortar, machine-gun and artillery fire, Colonel Batchelder fearlessly directed his command in seizing the vital area, establishing a beachhead line and holding it against repeated vicious counterattacks by a fanatic enemy until the full force of our supporting elements could be landed. Continuing his unceasing efforts, he contributed to the success of his regiment in repelling a determined pre-dawn counterattack the following day and, thereafter, supervised brilliantly executed, daily attacks against a ruthless and determined enemy, remaining in the field with his front line troops through the entire operation, inspiring his men to greater efforts and coordinating the activities of his regiment in capturing this vital Japanese stronghold. His valiant leadership, outstanding fortitude and great personal valor, maintained at great personal risk, reflect the highest credit upon Colonel Batchelder, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.

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