The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Joseph J. Whalen (MCSN: 261640), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Leader serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 13 March 1945. Unhesitatingly assuming command of a rifle platoon when the leader became a casualty during an intensive drive against a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse and three hostile pillboxes which had been retarding the advance of his battalion, Gunnery Sergeant Whalen boldly pressed forward under the enemy’s shattering machine-gun, rifle and mortar fire to reorganize the depleted squads, issue instructions for further attack and direct the evacuation of casualties. Finding the leader dead and several men wounded upon gaining the last of his three squads, Gunnery Sergeant Whalen, although severely wounded himself, steadfastly refused medical aid and, urging his men forward, gallantly led them across extremely difficult terrain swept by devastating crossfire to wipe out the machine-gun nests. Forced to withdraw under the withering barrage, he again reorganized his platoon for a renewed push to overrun the remaining strong point, but was fatally struck down by a bursting shell while carrying out his perilous mission. A forceful and inspiring leader, Gunnery Sergeant Whalen by his daring initiative, valiant fighting spirit and dauntless perseverance maintained in the face of tremendous odds, contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.