Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant John B. Armstrong (MCSN: 0-16397), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of a Battery of Field Artillery attached to the FOURTH Howitzer Battalion, FIFTH Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, during the invasion of enemy Japanese-held Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 15 and 16 June 1944. Subjected to constant hostile mortar and artillery fire from the time his vehicles crossed the reef, First Lieutenant Armstrong directed the sustained offensive of his battery despite serious losses in men and material. Under desperate attack while placing the howitzers ashore, he personally manned the winch and cable and, by his own disregard of danger, rallied his men to supreme effort in unloading the guns. Later the same day, First Lieutenant Armstrong led a detail of men in extinguishing fires started in the ammunition dump by enemy shells, working desperately under the most perilous conditions and thereby preventing heavy losses in the congested battery area. With half of his men gone and three guns out of action by the ever increasing fury of the Japanese artillery fire, he remained steadfast at his post throughout the night and early morning until he was struck down by a burst of hostile fire. Directly responsible for the continued functioning of his unit despite the dangers and difficulties involved in the firing of damaged pieces, First Lieutenant Armstrong served as an inspiring example of courage and unwavering determination in the fulfillment of a vital and hazardous mission. His outstanding leadership and exceptional valor reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant John B. Armstrong (MCSN: 0-16397), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of a Battery of Field Artillery attached to the FOURTH Howitzer Battalion, FIFTH Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, during the invasion of enemy Japanese-held Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 15 and 16 June 1944. Subjected to constant hostile mortar and artillery fire from the time his vehicles crossed the reef, First Lieutenant Armstrong directed the sustained offensive of his battery despite serious losses in men and material. Under desperate attack while placing the howitzers ashore, he personally manned the winch and cable and, by his own disregard of danger, rallied his men to supreme effort in unloading the guns. Later the same day, First Lieutenant Armstrong led a detail of men in extinguishing fires started in the ammunition dump by enemy shells, working desperately under the most perilous conditions and thereby preventing heavy losses in the congested battery area. With half of his men gone and three guns out of action by the ever increasing fury of the Japanese artillery fire, he remained steadfast at his post throughout the night and early morning until he was struck down by a burst of hostile fire. Directly responsible for the continued functioning of his unit despite the dangers and difficulties involved in the firing of damaged pieces, First Lieutenant Armstrong served as an inspiring example of courage and unwavering determination in the fulfillment of a vital and hazardous mission. His outstanding leadership and exceptional valor reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant John B. Armstrong (MCSN: 0-16397), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of a Battery of Field Artillery attached to the FOURTH Howitzer Battalion, FIFTH Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, during the invasion of enemy Japanese-held Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 15 and 16 June 1944. Subjected to constant hostile mortar and artillery fire from the time his vehicles crossed the reef, First Lieutenant Armstrong directed the sustained offensive of his battery despite serious losses in men and material. Under desperate attack while placing the howitzers ashore, he personally manned the winch and cable and, by his own disregard of danger, rallied his men to supreme effort in unloading the guns. Later the same day, First Lieutenant Armstrong led a detail of men in extinguishing fires started in the ammunition dump by enemy shells, working desperately under the most perilous conditions and thereby preventing heavy losses in the congested battery area. With half of his men gone and three guns out of action by the ever increasing fury of the Japanese artillery fire, he remained steadfast at his post throughout the night and early morning until he was struck down by a burst of hostile fire. Directly responsible for the continued functioning of his unit despite the dangers and difficulties involved in the firing of damaged pieces, First Lieutenant Armstrong served as an inspiring example of courage and unwavering determination in the fulfillment of a vital and hazardous mission. His outstanding leadership and exceptional valor reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant John B. Armstrong (MCSN: 0-16397), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of a Battery of Field Artillery attached to the FOURTH Howitzer Battalion, FIFTH Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, during the invasion of enemy Japanese-held Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 15 and 16 June 1944. Subjected to constant hostile mortar and artillery fire from the time his vehicles crossed the reef, First Lieutenant Armstrong directed the sustained offensive of his battery despite serious losses in men and material. Under desperate attack while placing the howitzers ashore, he personally manned the winch and cable and, by his own disregard of danger, rallied his men to supreme effort in unloading the guns. Later the same day, First Lieutenant Armstrong led a detail of men in extinguishing fires started in the ammunition dump by enemy shells, working desperately under the most perilous conditions and thereby preventing heavy losses in the congested battery area. With half of his men gone and three guns out of action by the ever increasing fury of the Japanese artillery fire, he remained steadfast at his post throughout the night and early morning until he was struck down by a burst of hostile fire. Directly responsible for the continued functioning of his unit despite the dangers and difficulties involved in the firing of damaged pieces, First Lieutenant Armstrong served as an inspiring example of courage and unwavering determination in the fulfillment of a vital and hazardous mission. His outstanding leadership and exceptional valor reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Inscription
1LT, US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II
Gravesite Details
1LT US MARINE CORPS; WORLD WAR II
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