Orville Odell Vaught

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 47151
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Orville O. Vaught (MCSN: 417949), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader in a Rifle Squad of Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 27 February 1945.
When his company's advance was held up by strong hostile fortifications, Corporal Vaught voluntarily and courageously crawled thirty yards forward in the face of intense enemy machine gun fire and, with his Fire Team covering his advance, neutralized the Japanese emplacement by hurling a hand grenade and annihilating the occupants. Although sustaining a severe chest wound, he aggressively continued forward to a large enemy emplacement housing a coast defense weapon which was delivering fire into our rear areas. He then threw a demolition charge into this position, rendered the weapon inoperable and killed the gun crew. After rejoining his squad, Corporal Vaught steadfastly refused to be evacuated until ordered to do so by his Platoon Leader. His personal valor, determination and gallant fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.