CAPT, US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II
Navy Cross
Awarded posthumously for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Charles R. Durfee (MCSN: 0-8324), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. While in Command of Company A, several enemy counter-attacks were experienced. In addition to commanding his own company, and while under continuous rifle, machine gun and mortar fire, Captain Durfee, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, traversed the entire length of the battalion sector to consolidate our lines. Throughout the action, by his calm determination and excellent judgment, he inspired the men and gave his commanding officer invaluable aid in forming a correct estimate of the situation, enabling all of the available troops and supporting weapons to be most effectively employed in stopping the enemy attacks. His heroism, resourcefulness and inspiring leadership were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0647 (February 23, 1944)
Action Date: 22-Nov-43
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 6th Marines
Division: 2d Marine Division
*DURFEE, CHARLES R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Durfee U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. Landing on Saipan in the face of terrific fire from Japanese guns, Captain Durfee quickly reorganized the units of his rifle company and advancing inland secured the beachhead in his sector. When attacked by intense fire from enemy tanks and infantry, he effectively directed the defenses of this position and then led his company in an offensive against Hill 790, where he encountered a hostile emplacement that seriously affected the consolidation of his position. Personally directing the close range fire of his supporting tanks against the enemy troops in holes and caves, Captain Durfee was mortally wounded by Japanese fire. By his superb leadership and great personal valor, he had contributed materially to the success of a vital campaign. His daring initiative and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Born: at Morristown, North Dakota
Home of Record: Reeder, North Dakota
Navy Cross
Awarded posthumously for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Charles R. Durfee (MCSN: 0-8324), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. While in Command of Company A, several enemy counter-attacks were experienced. In addition to commanding his own company, and while under continuous rifle, machine gun and mortar fire, Captain Durfee, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, traversed the entire length of the battalion sector to consolidate our lines. Throughout the action, by his calm determination and excellent judgment, he inspired the men and gave his commanding officer invaluable aid in forming a correct estimate of the situation, enabling all of the available troops and supporting weapons to be most effectively employed in stopping the enemy attacks. His heroism, resourcefulness and inspiring leadership were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0647 (February 23, 1944)
Action Date: 22-Nov-43
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 6th Marines
Division: 2d Marine Division
*DURFEE, CHARLES R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Durfee U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. Landing on Saipan in the face of terrific fire from Japanese guns, Captain Durfee quickly reorganized the units of his rifle company and advancing inland secured the beachhead in his sector. When attacked by intense fire from enemy tanks and infantry, he effectively directed the defenses of this position and then led his company in an offensive against Hill 790, where he encountered a hostile emplacement that seriously affected the consolidation of his position. Personally directing the close range fire of his supporting tanks against the enemy troops in holes and caves, Captain Durfee was mortally wounded by Japanese fire. By his superb leadership and great personal valor, he had contributed materially to the success of a vital campaign. His daring initiative and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Born: at Morristown, North Dakota
Home of Record: Reeder, North Dakota
CAPT, US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II
Navy Cross
Awarded posthumously for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Charles R. Durfee (MCSN: 0-8324), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. While in Command of Company A, several enemy counter-attacks were experienced. In addition to commanding his own company, and while under continuous rifle, machine gun and mortar fire, Captain Durfee, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, traversed the entire length of the battalion sector to consolidate our lines. Throughout the action, by his calm determination and excellent judgment, he inspired the men and gave his commanding officer invaluable aid in forming a correct estimate of the situation, enabling all of the available troops and supporting weapons to be most effectively employed in stopping the enemy attacks. His heroism, resourcefulness and inspiring leadership were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0647 (February 23, 1944)
Action Date: 22-Nov-43
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 6th Marines
Division: 2d Marine Division
*DURFEE, CHARLES R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Durfee U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. Landing on Saipan in the face of terrific fire from Japanese guns, Captain Durfee quickly reorganized the units of his rifle company and advancing inland secured the beachhead in his sector. When attacked by intense fire from enemy tanks and infantry, he effectively directed the defenses of this position and then led his company in an offensive against Hill 790, where he encountered a hostile emplacement that seriously affected the consolidation of his position. Personally directing the close range fire of his supporting tanks against the enemy troops in holes and caves, Captain Durfee was mortally wounded by Japanese fire. By his superb leadership and great personal valor, he had contributed materially to the success of a vital campaign. His daring initiative and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Born: at Morristown, North Dakota
Home of Record: Reeder, North Dakota
Navy Cross
Awarded posthumously for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Charles R. Durfee (MCSN: 0-8324), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. While in Command of Company A, several enemy counter-attacks were experienced. In addition to commanding his own company, and while under continuous rifle, machine gun and mortar fire, Captain Durfee, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, traversed the entire length of the battalion sector to consolidate our lines. Throughout the action, by his calm determination and excellent judgment, he inspired the men and gave his commanding officer invaluable aid in forming a correct estimate of the situation, enabling all of the available troops and supporting weapons to be most effectively employed in stopping the enemy attacks. His heroism, resourcefulness and inspiring leadership were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0647 (February 23, 1944)
Action Date: 22-Nov-43
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 6th Marines
Division: 2d Marine Division
*DURFEE, CHARLES R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Durfee U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. Landing on Saipan in the face of terrific fire from Japanese guns, Captain Durfee quickly reorganized the units of his rifle company and advancing inland secured the beachhead in his sector. When attacked by intense fire from enemy tanks and infantry, he effectively directed the defenses of this position and then led his company in an offensive against Hill 790, where he encountered a hostile emplacement that seriously affected the consolidation of his position. Personally directing the close range fire of his supporting tanks against the enemy troops in holes and caves, Captain Durfee was mortally wounded by Japanese fire. By his superb leadership and great personal valor, he had contributed materially to the success of a vital campaign. His daring initiative and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Born: at Morristown, North Dakota
Home of Record: Reeder, North Dakota
Bio by: ShaneO
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