for service as follows:
“For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces, during
the invasion of Guam, Marianas Islands, from July 21 to August 10, 1944.
Functioning as a combat unit for the first time, the First Provisional
Marine Brigade forced a landing against strong hostile defenses and well
camouflaged positions, steadily advancing inland under the relentless
fury of the enemy’s heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire to
secure a firm beachhead by nightfall. Executing a difficult turning
movement to the north, this daring and courageous unit fought its way
ahead yard by yard through mangrove swamps, dense jungles and over
cliffs and, although terrifically reduced in strength under the enemy’s
fanatical counterattacks, hunted the Japanese in caves, pillboxes and
foxholes and exterminated them. By their individual acts of gallantry
and their indomitable fighting teamwork throughout this bitter and
costly struggle, the men of the First Provisional Marine Brigade aided
immeasurably in the restoration of Guam to our sovereignty.”
/S/ JAMES FORRESTAL
Secretary of the Navy.
All personnel serving in the First Provisional Marine Brigade, comprised
of: Headquarters Company; Brigade Signal Company; Brigade Military
Police Company; 4th Marines, Reinforced; 22nd Marines, Reinforced; Naval
Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 515, and 4th Platoon, 2nd Marine
Ammunition Company, during the above mentioned period are hereby
authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.
_COPY_
1990-10-10
018/159
HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD