Geary R. Bundschu

Service:  Marine Corps

Rank:  Captain

Navy Cross Awarded for Actions During World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (posthumously) to Captain Geary R. Bundschu (MCSN: 0-8276), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, on 22 July 1944.  With his company pinned down by bitter hostile machine-gun, mortar and rifle fire during an advance up a vital enemy ridge, Captain Bundschu unhesitatingly exposed himself to an intense barrage from Japanese guns and, fearlessly proceeding forward, observed and sketched the enemy position retarding the advance of his unit.

Again making himself a target for hositle weapons, despite painful wounds in the shoulder, he continued to observe enemy defenses and skillflully reorganized his men in preparation for another fierce assault against the Japanese-held ridge.  Although his right arm was rendered useless by a grenade fragment when his platoon was caught in a hostile machine-gun crossfile and simultaneously subjected to a vicious grenade attack, Captain Bundschu courageously directed his men to take cover, then valiantly pressing forward succeeded in destroying the nearest Japanese machine-gun position with grenades before he was mortally wounded.  His great personal courage and inspiring leadership 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.