Merritt A. Edson’s SECOND Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to

Merritt Austin Edson

Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Commanding Officer of the Tulagi Combat Group during the landing assault and seizure of enemy Japanese-held Tulagi Island, British Solomon Islands, 7 to 9 August 1942. In personal command of the FIRST Marine Raider Battalion during the initial operation, Colonel Edson advanced the attack of his Battalion and its supporting units with suck skill, courage and aggressiveness that he was an inspiration to the entire Combat Group and was directly responsible for the capture of Tulagi Island. His gallant conduct throughout this hazardous action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.