The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Evans Fordyce Carlson (MCSN: 0-3613), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the SECOND Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, in the British Solomon Islands, during the period from 4 November 1942 to 4 December 1942. In the face of most difficult conditions of tropical weather and heavy growth, Lieutenant Colonel Carlson led his men in a determined and aggressive search for threatening hostile forces, overcoming all opposition and completing their mission with small losses to our men while taking heavy toll of the enemy. His personal valor and inspiring fortitude reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Carlson, his command and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
4th Marine DivisionAction Date:
April 15 – June 22, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Evans Fordyce Carlson (MCSN: 0-3613), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Planning and Liaison Officer attached to Headquarters of the FOURTH Marine Division, prior to and during operations against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas Group, from 15 April to 22 June 1944. Schooled by grim experience in the art of countering Japanese strategy, Lieutenant Colonel Carlson prepared comprehensive terrain studies of the zone of action assigned the FOURTH Division and, drawing upon his knowledge of the enemy’s intricate defense systems, defined the most effective methods of attacking the objective. Landing on D-Day plus 1 under heavy mortar and artillery fire, he immediately volunteered to visit front-line units in an effort to obtain information and, fearlessly moving into areas where the battle raged with savage fanaticism, repeatedly risked his life during the critical days following the invasion to reconnoiter the forward sectors, returning each time to the Command Post with vital intelligence data. Consistently sound in his evaluation of enemy positions and strength, he continued his determined efforts as the intrepid forces of the FOURTH Division swept relentlessly across the island, persevering despite the mounting fury of hostile resistance and providing first-hand information under increasingly difficult conditions until he sustained serious wounds while engaged in a front line reconnaissance on 22 June 1944. A brilliant tactician and indomitable fighter, Lieutenant Colonel Carlson rendered services of inestimable value to his Commanding General prior to and during the assault and occupation of this fiercely defended Japanese base, and his dauntless initiative, outstanding professional skill and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of tremendous opposition were important factors in the ultimate seizure of the objective. His gallant conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Carlson and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Guardia Nacional de NicaraguaAction Date:
May 16, 1930 – May 1, 1931
Authority – USMC Communiqu: 03613-1-3 ACK-vp (1 October 1931)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Evans Fordyce Carlson (MCSN: 0-3613), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while attached to the Guardia Nacional from 16 May 1930 to 1 May 1931. Upon joining the Guardia Nacional, First Lieutenant Carlson was assigned at Jalapa in the bandit area of Nueva Segovia. On 8 July 1930, he received a report that a group of one hundred bandits were looting the town of Portillo. He immediately left with a detachment of sixteen men to gain contact. Four the men deserted en route but with the remaining twelve men he pushed on and overtook and gained contact with a group of forty bandits, completely routing them, killing two and wounding seven, without any casualties to his detachment. Arms, ammunition, equipment and clothing looted from the town of Portillo were recaptured. Lieutenant Carlson maintained his district in a most excellent manner and by his activities and well-directed operations kept it singularly free from banditry.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
2d Marine Raider BattalionAction Date:
August 17 & 18, 1942
SPOT AWARD, October 1942The 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 Lieutenant Colonel Evans Fordyce Carlson (MCSN: 0-3613), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. In the first operation of this type ever conducted by United States Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Carlson personally directed his forces in the face of intense fire of enemy ground troops and aerial bombing barrage, inflicting great personnel and material damage on the enemy. In the withdrawal of his forces under adverse sea conditions, he displayed outstanding resourcefulness, initiative and resolute purpose in evacuating all wounded and disabled men. His high courage and excellent leadership throughout the engagement were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.