Benjamin Franklin Pritchett, Jr.

Private, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 02476
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Benjamin F. Pritchett, Jr. (MCSN: 348195), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Eniwetok, Marshall Islands, 19 February 1944.
When a wounded Marine lay exposed to both enemy and friendly fire, Private Pritchett risked his life to work his way forward through the interchanging blaze of flying bullets to rescue his comrade. Later, when the squad leader and the assistant squad leader of an adjacent squad were killed, he took control of the squad and skillfully organized it for a successful night defense, in which action he was seriously wounded. His superb leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.