Emmett Cardwell Fuqua

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 44534
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Emmett C. Fuqua (MCSN: 477070), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Bow Gunner of Company C, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945.
After his tank had been penetrated and set on fire by a hit from an enemy anti-tank gun, Corporal Fuqua reentered the burning vehicle in company with a crew member and, despite several successive hits from the same gun, succeeded in evacuating another seriously wounded man and in carrying him back for medical attention, although the tank was ahead of friendly front lines and under enemy small-arms fire.
Later, on February 26, when the tank preceding his struck a buried serial bomb, Corporal Fuqua left his own tank and, despite hostile fire, removed a wounded man to his vehicle and took him to an aid station. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.