*GRAY, ROSS FRANKLIN
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: August
1920, Marvel Valley, Ala. Accredited to: Alabama.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty as a Platoon Sergeant attached to Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th
Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21
February 1945. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation when his platoon was held up by a
sudden barrage of hostile grenades while advancing toward the high ground northeast of
Airfield No. 1, Sgt. Gray promptly organized the withdrawal of his men from enemy grenade
range, quickly moved forward alone to reconnoiter and discovered a heavily mined area
extending along the front of a strong network of emplacements joined by covered trenches.
Although assailed by furious gunfire, he cleared a path leading through the minefield to
one of the fortifications, then returned to the platoon position and, informing his leader
of the serious situation, volunteered to initiate an attack under cover of 3 fellow
marines. Alone and unarmed but carrying a huge satchel charge, he crept up on the Japanese
emplacement, boldly hurled the short-fused explosive and sealed the entrance. Instantly
taken under machinegun fire from a second entrance to the same position, he unhesitatingly
braved the increasingly vicious fusillades to crawl back for another charge, returned to
his objective and blasted the second opening, thereby demolishing the position. Repeatedly
covering the ground between the savagely defended enemy fortifications and his platoon
area, he systematically approached, attacked and withdrew under blanketing fire to destroy
a total of 6 Japanese positions, more than 25 troops and a quantity of vital ordnance gear
and ammunition. Stouthearted and indomitable, Sgt. Gray had single-handedly overcome a
strong enemy garrison and had completely disarmed a large minefield before finally
rejoining his unit. By his great personal valor, daring tactics and tenacious perseverance
in the face of extreme peril, he had contributed materially to the fulfillment of his
company mission. His gallant conduct throughout enhanced and sustained the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
