Serial # 492688
Carrollson, Georgia
Awarded the Navy Cross for action on Tarawa:
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 917 (March 24, 1944)
CITATION:
"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class J. D. Thaxton, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a member of a Rifle Company of the Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Voluntarily exposing himself to heavy enemy mortar and sniper fire, Private First Class Thaxton signaled an amphibious tractor by semaphore to come alongside the pier and evacuate his wounded comrades, personally assisting until every man had been removed to safety. Undaunted by his perilous position, he remained in the area to collect abandoned communication equipment and weapons which were urgently needed by our forces. Detailed to deliver a message to his Company Command Post the following day, he was seriously wounded while crossing a heavily fortified area, but, disregarding his intense pain, struggled to his feet and was instrumental in securing medical aid and supplies for casualties of his platoon before collapsing from his wounds. Private First Class Thaxton's great personal valor, heroic self-sacrifice and unswerving devotion to duty reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
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