Thomas Arthur Schultz

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Thomas A. Schultz (MCSN: 0-13211), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Executive Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during the assault and occupation of enemy Japanese-held Saipan Island in the Marianas, from 15 to 22 June 1944. Lacking an artillery forward observer during the bitter hostilities on 19 June, First Lieutenant Schultz fearlessly went forward at night and, directing our artillery fire with expert tactical ability, effectively frustrated powerful enemy counter-measures during the crucial phase of our operations in a sector which our troops had defended with decisive valor against the fanatic Japanese onslaught earlier in the day. An indomitable fighter, he led two rifle platoons in a bold assault on strongly fortified hostile positions on Mount Tapotchau on 22 June, annihilating approximately forty enemy troops. When his company came under shattering hostile mortar fire and suffered heavy casualties later the same day, he organized a stretcher party and, pushing through the tortuous tangle of heavily wooded area occupied by scattered enemy troops, succeeded in evacuating twenty-five Marines before he himself was killed. By his forceful leadership, intrepid fighting spirit and relentless determination in the face of savage, unceasing opposition, First Lieutenant Schultz contributed essentially to the ultimate conquest of this important Japanese stronghold, and his unfailing courage and valiant devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.