Karl Tanner

Captain, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 32434 (July 12, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Karl Tanner (MCSN: 0-16663), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while attached to the First Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 1 to 9 March 1945.
Unhesitatingly assuming command of a company pinned down by shattering hostile machine-gun, mortar and sniper fire emanating from a series of mutually supporting caves and pillboxes, First Lieutenant Tanner fearlessly exposed himself to the withering barrage to continue the attack. Constantly inspiring his men to greater effort despite fierce resistance, he boldly led them forward and, waging furious battle against the fanatic Japanese, maintained his aggressive, determined tactics to drive the enemy 200 yards inland. Fatally struck down by the enemy while conducting a subsequent perilous action on 9 March, First Lieutenant Tanner, by his brilliant and forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and dauntless perseverance in the face of tremendous odds, had contributed essentially to the success of our sustained drive against this vital hostile stronghold and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.