Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel John G. Johnson (MCSN: 0-7095), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 30 May 1945. During the assault on Radio Hill, east of Naha, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson assumed command of the battalion after the Commanding Officer had been killed and proceeded immediately from his Command Post to the front lines under heavy fire. With his troops suffering severe casualties due to heavy enemy fire to the front and from caves on the right, he quickly reorganized his assault elements and personally directed their attack on the left, reaching the Battalion's objective by darkness. When his position was threatened by the presence of the remaining enemy troops in the caves to the right, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson again reorganized his exhausted men and directed them in a hand-to-hand fight against the Japanese, thereby securing his position and accounting for eighty-three additional enemy dead. His inspiring leadership and courage throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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.

       Silver Star Citation

Awarded for actions during the World War I

By 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.

Legion of Merit

Awarded for actions during the World War II

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.

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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Hugh A. Vogel (MCSN: 819474), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Reconnaissance Non-Commissioned Officer in a Platoon of Weapons Company, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 20 May 1945. Assigned the mission of observing enemy fire in order to direct the fire of his own platoon, Corporal Vogel coolly advanced beyond the front lines to gain better observation despite heavy hostile machine-gun and mortar fire. Coming upon a Japanese dual-purpose 13-mm. weapon, he quickly annihilated the crew, captured the gun and turned it upon the enemy, destroying a mortar position and killing all the members of the mortar crew. After the successful completion of this mission, he bravely proceeded to attack two enemy-held caves during the hours of darkness and successfully destroyed these two positions and their occupants with demolition charges. His outstanding courage, gallant initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Vogel and the United States Naval Service.