- SURNAME
Olbert
- FORENAME
Richard Norman
- UNIT
2 Raider Bn (Company B)
- RANK
Private First Class
- NUMBER
349489
- AWARD
Navy Cross
- PLACE
Makin Atoll 1942
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MIA - see Roll of Honour
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/olbert-richard-n.4378/CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Richard N. Olbert (Albert) (MCSN: 349489), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a member of a volunteer boat crew in Company B, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. Fully aware of the hazards of an imminent enemy air attack, and with complete disregard for his own life, Private First Class Olbert, with four others, volunteered to take a boat to a point just outside a reef and shoot a line ashore to assist in evacuating those men remaining on the beach. Caught on the sea, he was defeated in his valiant efforts by the violent strafing of his boat by withering enemy machine-gun fire. His great personal valor and loyal spirit of self-sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.
FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56127358/richard-norman-olbert
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