The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel William J. Whaling (MCSN: 0-1049), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving on the staff of the FIRST Marine Division on Guadalcanal during September and October 1942. Colonel Whaling organized a scout-sniper detachment and supervised the training of selected groups in scouting stalking and ambush tactics. By his instruction and expert knowledge of jungle warfare, he contributed immeasurably to the success achieved by our patrols.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
September 12 – 26, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Second Lieutenant William J. Whaling (MCSN: 0-1049), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Second Lieutenant Whaling distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Thiaucourt, France, 12 – 26 September 1918.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
December 26 – 30, 1943
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 337 (April 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel William J. Whaling (MCSN: 0-1049), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, at Cape Glouchester, New Britain, during the period from 26 to 30 December 1943.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
29th MarinesDivision:
6th Marine DivisionAction Date:
April 15 – June 21, 1945
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 86000 (SofN Signed January 20, 1948)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel William J. Whaling (MCSN: 0-1049), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against the enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 15 April to 21 June 1945. Assuming command of a regiment committed to extensive operations over an exceptionally broad zone of action on Motobu Peninsula, Colonel Whaling skillfully maneuvered elements of his command through rugged and precipitous mountain terrain to aid in driving the enemy to a final defensive position on Mount Yaetake. Though his forces were widely dispersed during this phase of the campaign, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to direct hostile fire among the most advanced elements of his Regiment, thereby obtaining maximum coordination which resulted in crushing the last enemy resistance. By his conspicuous bravery in personally directing assault units, Colonel Whaling contributed materially to the seizure of the desperately defended Sugar Loaf Hill. His aggressive and inspiring leadership during the subsequent landing on Oroku Peninsula was an important factor in the successful reduction of one of the most heavily fortified Japanese strongholds encountered. Colonel Whaling’s gallant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.