William F. Richey

Private, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 1177 (July 8, 1943)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private William F. Richey (MCSN: 324137), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Eighth Marines (Reinforced), SECOND Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Island, on 23 November 1942.
Knowing that it was impossible for his comrades to advance as long as two enemy machine guns which were holding a commanding position remained in action, Private Richey with two other Marines volunteered to dislodge them. Fighting his way through a hail of machine-gun and sniper fire up to an advantageous position, he threw hand grenades into the enemy emplacement, silencing the gun. Rushing the position, he repeated the process, silencing the second gun. While returning to our lines with a captured machine gun, he was killed. His inspired acts of valor, in the face of almost certain death, were instrumental in breaking the deadlock with the enemy and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.