Charles Oliver Jeanes

Private 1st Class, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0940
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Charles Oliver Jeanes (MCSN: 488463), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 6 January 1944.
Undeterred by rain, dense jungle undergrowth and unfamiliar terrain, Private First class Jeanes bravely advanced against the enemy during an attack on a heavily fortified roadblock flanked on one side by a swamp and on the other side by the sea, and prevented the Japanese from throwing mines at the tanks. When one of our tanks became bogged down in the mud and was menaced by mines thrown by the Japanese on the left flank, Private First Class Jeanes quickly moved to the side of the stranded vehicle and opened deadly rifle fire on the enemy, at the same time attempting to catch the mines before they could damage or destroy the tank. Although instantly killed by an exploding mine while engaged in this hazardous undertaking, Private First Class Jeanes, by his cool courage, spirit of self-sacrifice and unwavering devotion to duty, had contributed materially to the success of the attack, and his conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.