Philip A. Wilheit’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS Posthumously to

CAPTAIN

PHILIP ARTHUR WILHEIT

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Philip Arthur Wilheit (0-8231), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Executive Officer of the Right Assault Company of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain Islands, on 26 December 1943. At the height of the desperate struggle when his company was pinned down by the enemy, Captain Wilheit, with indomitable courage, let his men in a determined flanking attack which, combined with his commanding officer’s frontal assault on the strong hostile positions, resulted in the complete destruction of the Japanese forces. Captain Wilheit’s inspiring leadership during this fierce encounter in which he was killed by enemy fire, his valiant fighting spirit and his devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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Born: 23 October 1916 in Atlanta, Ga…. Home of record: Atlanta, Ga…. Interred: Westover Memorial Park in Augusta, Ga.