Navy Cross Citation: 

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant John H. Wherry (MCSN: 263035). United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Gunnery Sergeant while serving with Company G, Third Battalion , Twenty Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima, in the Volcano Islands, on 27 February 1945, with casualties increasing steadily under the intensified fire from the enemy's heavy mortar, artillery and infantry weapons on the strongly defended approaches to HILL 362, Gunnery Sergeant Wherry fearlessly advanced to the head of the assault units and personally led them against a heavily fortified pillbox which was holding up the right flank of his company and despite the withering barrage succeeding in effecting the destruction of the enemy strong point before he himself lost his life.

 His indominable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion in the performance of duty throughout the bitter hostilities reflect the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant Wherry and the United States Naval Services. 

He gallantly gave his life for his country.

JOHN HUNTLY WHERRY

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