Oliver Maurice Crofford

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00598
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Oliver M. Crofford (MCSN: 298127), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Patrol of Company B, Third Motor Transport Battalion, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands on 26 July 1944.
With his patrol engaged in destroying enemy forces which had infiltrated and were operating behind our lines, Corporal Crofford aggressively moved forward to cover the advance across a ravine. Observing an enemy soldier about to hurl a heavy demolition charge at three Marines, he quickly fired at the thrower to destroy his aim, thus causing the charge to fall short and merely stun the three men. Aided by another Marine, he then charged the hostile position killing one enemy rifleman and causing another to kill himself.
Later, when his squad executed a strategic withdrawal under enemy mortar and rifle fire, Corporal Crofford again assumed an exposed position and covered the evacuation of the stunned Marines. His coolness under fire and fighting spirit throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.