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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive
USS Wantuck (APD-125)
Navy Cross Citations
Private John J. Wantuck, United States Marine Corps
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John J. Wantuck (340412), Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a member of an Anti-Aircraft unit, attached to the NINTH Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, at Zanana Beach, New Georgia
Island, in action against enemy Japanese forces on 17 July 1943. With the entire American occupation force endangered by approaching hostile troops intent on recapturing
the beachhead, Private Wantuck and a comrade unhesitatingly volunteered to man two light machine guns in a desperate effort to defend the inadequately protected position.
Relying solely upon the doubtful performance of a weapon taken from a salvage pile, Private Wantuck coolly waited through the night for the enemy to approach within easy
range and then opened fire. As a result of his courageous and daring strategy, morning light disclosed six dead Japanese in the vicinity, evidence that twelve to fifteen
more dead or wounded had been carried off and that an enemy 90-mm. mortar crew had been wiped out. Private Wantuck was found lying near his gun but the Japanese force had
been completely disorganized. His valiant spirit of self-sacrifice and his steadfast devotion to the accomplishment of a dangerous mission were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the United States Naval service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Board Serial: 002110 (December 9, 1943)
Born: November 26, 1923 at Elmira, New York
Home Town: Elmira, New York
This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo
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