SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN WHELAN

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company P, Second Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. When his entire platoon and parts of adjacent units were held up by concentrated hostile machinegun fire, Second Lieutenant Whelan unhesitatingly went forward over terrain that afforded little cover or concealment to reconnoiter the enemy positions. Quickly making a decision and issuing an attack order, he led the platoon in a bold and daring frontal attack on the emplacements and personally participated in neutralizing the remaining Japanese and destroying their weapons, thereby enabling the company to continue its advance to the assigned objective. His courageous and decisive leadership in the face of enemy fire reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Whelan and the United States Naval Service."