John Tom Utley, Jr.

Staff Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 464 (February 22, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant John T. Utley, Jr. (MCSN: 299531), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Fourth Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 7 July 1944.
Courageous and determined in carrying out his hazardous patrol duties, Staff Sergeant Utley repeatedly exposed himself to enemy sniper fire in a valiant attempt to cover the movements of two Marines who were endeavoring to evacuate a wounded companion from the danger area.
Mortally wounded in his heroic effort, Staff Sergeant Utley, by his daring initiative and selfless conduct in the face of extreme peril, was an inspiration to his comrades, and his indomitable fighting spirit and zealous devotion to duty throughout a period of fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.