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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Colonel George W. McHenry (MCSN: 0-631), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Commanding Officer of the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 18 to 26 November 1942. A superb tactician and an inspiring leader, Colonel McHenry brilliantly directed his regiment in a bitter struggle to dislodge a fanatic enemy from strongly-fortified positions at Piva Forks and, by his superlative use of supporting fires and his keen analysis of probable enemy intentions and dispositions, succeeded in routing the hostile forces with a loss to the Japanese of 1,185 killed and with relatively light casualties to his own unit. Heedless of the intense small-arms, mortar and artillery fire, he continually exposed himself as he led and encouraged his troops to achieve their difficult objective. His outstanding professional ability, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Colonel McHenry and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    3d Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 00402 (May 28, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel George W. McHenry (MCSN: 0-631), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Torokina, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, 1 November 1943. Receiving information that the first battalion of his regiment was engaged in heavy fighting with the enemy, Colonel McHenry unhesitatingly braved hostile machine-gun fire from two nearby islands to make his way to the side of his wounded battalion commander. Remaining at the scene of fierce fighting until the situation had become stabilized, he continued on a personal inspection tour of the regimental sector, repeatedly exposing himself to heavy concentrations of grenades, rifle and automatic weapons fire until he was assured that the attack was progressing according to plan. His valiant actions, resolute fortitude and complete disregard for his own safety served as an inspiration to his troops and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua)

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1928 – May 6, 1929
    Authority – USMC CommuniquŽ: 0631-1-3 (1 June 1932)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant George W. McHenry (MCSN: 0-631), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Battalion Adjutant and Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Eleventh Regiment, United States Marine corps, operating in the Northern Area of Nicaragua, from about 1 February 1928 to 6 May 1929, a period of approximately sixteen months. Lieutenant McHenry during this period performed his many duties so efficiently, so cheerfully and with the display of such high military qualities as to materially aid in the efficient conduct of operations and the maintenance of a high state of morale among the officers and men. Lieutenant McHenry, while in command of a section of a combined patrol operating in the vicinity of Maylote, Nicaragua, participated on 27 August 1928 in two successful engagements with the bandit group under the leader known as Ortez. This patrol through the determination, perseverance, and leadership of its officers and after a night march and in an exhausted condition, when fired upon from ambush at about 0500, so maneuvered as to outflank the enemy and put him to rout. In vigorously following up the pursuit of the bandit group, the patrol was again ambushed at about 2012 the same day with heavy machine gun fire, rifle fire and bombs. Once more through successful leadership, the display of excellent judgment, initiative, unusual professional ability and soldierly qualities of the highest order, the bandit force was driven from its position. As a result of these engagements, a great amount of bandit supplies and equipment was captured, a bandit supply depot destroyed, and the suppression of banditry along the western and Honduran borders materially aided.