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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Marine Gunner Milton Calvin Marvin (MCSN: 0-24040), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese forces while in charge of a group of engineers in the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the landing at Cape Torokina, Bougainville Island, on 1 November 1943. Upon reaching shore after an enemy shell wrecked his boat, killed the coxswain and engineer and wounded five of his men during an attempt to approach the beach, Marine Gunner Marvin, observing that the wounded were struggling in the water and in imminent peril of drowning, immediately returned to assist them despite a continual stream of machine-gun fire directed at him by the Japanese. Completely disregarding the grave danger, he continued his heroic efforts until all of the injured were safely ashore and under the care of medical personnel, thereby saving his men from certain death. Assuming his duties as an officer of the shore party, he organized and led a fire team in a successful attack on an enemy bunker and later, in repulsing hostile attempts to attack the shore party, destroying the enemy and secured the vital beach approach. Marine Gunner Marvin’s splendid initiative and valiant devotion to duty under extremely difficult conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    21st Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 21 – 27, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 00143 (March 12, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Milton C. Marvin (MCSN: 0-24040), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving in charge of a Flame-Thrower and Demolitions Section and later as a Rifle Platoon Leader attached to the Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Mariana Islands, from 21 to 27 July 1944. Constantly inspiring his men with confidence and determination, Second Lieutenant Marvin directed the combat operations of his units skillfully and without regard for his own safety during several days of bitter fighting in a highly strategic area. Upon locating two enemy pillboxes which menaced the security of newly-won ground after rifle units had seized a ridge commanding the entire beachhead on 25 July, he courageously led his men over thirty yards of fire-swept terrain and destroyed the emplacements, killing two of the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Later the same day, he again led his men against a heavily-defended cave and, failing to neutralize the hostile position with flame and grenades, personally advanced to the entrance of the cave and placed a charge of explosives which demolished the emplacement. Ordered to reinforce a point in the weakened defense lines during a fierce Japanese attack, he fought tirelessly throughout the night in the face of withering enemy fire and contributed materially to the successful resistance of our forces against great odds. Subsequently leading a rifle platoon in an assault on an area strongly protected by caves and emplacements, he valiantly made his way forward with two of his men and destroyed three of the positions, but was mortally wounded while attempting to wipe out the fourth. Second Lieutenant Marvin’s indomitable fighting spirit, brilliant initiative and resolute conduct throughout this extremely vital period reflect the highest credit upon himself, his heroic command and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.