Edgar J. Crane’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Edgar J. Crane

Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Second Marines (Reinforced), SECOND Marine Division, during initial landings on enemy Japanese-controlled territory in the Solomon Islands Area, 7 to 9 August 1942. After leading his men to the successful completion of a dangerous and important mission on Florida Island, Captain Crane withdrew his company and proceeded by water to reinforce the attack on Gavutu and Tanambogo Islands. Although menaced by the withering blasts of hostile weapons, he brought two of six boats in to attempt a landing but was forced by extremely heavy machine-gun fire to remain in the water for four hours before he was able to get ashore, completely unarmed. With the small number of men still under his command, Captain Crane obtained arms from friendly troops and continued action against the enemy. His aggressive fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty, maintained despite great personal risk, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.