Nelson Braitmeyer’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to

Nelson Braitmeyer

Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as second in command of the First Platoon of Battery B, First Special Weapons Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 20 – 21 August 1942. When a hostile attack penetrated his gun positions at several points and imperiled our lines, Platoon Sergeant Braitmeyer, with grim determination and complete disregard for his own personal safety, assisted his platoon commander in clearing Japanese gun positions at the mouth of the Tenaru River until he was killed in action. The conduct of Platoon Sergeant Braitmeyer throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.