Carl L. Steele’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

CORPORAL CARL L. STEELE, USMCR.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Lead of a Machine Gun Squad serving with the First Marine Division om action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 2 January 1944. With his squad pinned down by heavy enemy fire from hostile positions concealed in dense jungle undergrowth, Corporal Steele courageously attempted to operate his gun and, although wounded in the effort, tried once again and succeeded in firing his weapon until he was hit and his gun put out of action. Despite his wounds and the overwhelming enemy opposition, he persisted in his heroic efforts up to the last minute, encouraging and inspiring his men in their attacks before leaving the field for medical attention. Corporal Steele’s great personal valor and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy

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Born: 15 October 1916 in Larimer, Pa…. Home of record: Fairfax Station, Va. Assigned to Company M, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division… Passed 13 June 2001… Interred: Fairfax City Cemetery in Fairfax, Va.