Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Wesley P. Simmonds (MCSN: 327041), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a member of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 27 August 1942. When nine casualties were sustained by his company during a frontal assault against a strongly fortified enemy position, Private First Class Simmonds, with no thought of his own personal safety, boldly advanced in the face of severe fire from enemy mortars, machine guns and snipers in a valiant attempt to evacuate the wounded from their perilous position well forward of the company position. Although he was severely wounded by fire from a nearby enemy machine gun nest as he attempted to carry an injured comrade, his gallant spirit of self-sacrifice inspired others to follow his example and, as a result, the wounded men were rescued. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received