TFH 11/30 Edition 1: Navy Crosses for Two Marine Raiders

The United States Marine Corps formed the Marine Raiders in the early days of America's involvement in World War II to conduct amphibious raids behind enemy lines. The 2nd Raider Battalion, known as "Carlson's Raiders" after their commander Lieutenant Colonel Evans Carlson, successfully carried out the raid on Makin Island on August 17-18, 1942, resulting in one Marine being decorated with the Medal of Honor and 19 Marines and 2 sailors with the Navy Cross.

The 2nd Raiders then fought on Guadalcanal itself. Seventy years ago today on November 30, 1942, one of Carlson's platoons took a Japanese encampment completely by surprise, routed the enemy, and saw at least two of the attackers add Navy Crosses to the Raiders growing tally of decorations for valor.


Navy Cross Citation for Captain John Harvey Slusser, USMC:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain John Harvey Slusser (MCSN: 0-12164), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as a Platoon Commander of Company F, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 30 November 1942. Leading his platoon into an enemy bivouac on the upper Lunga River, Captain Slusser, then Marine Gunner, initiated a daring attack on the objective which caught a force of some ninety Japanese completely by surprise. Although vastly outnumbered, he bravely charged into the bivouac at the head of his unit with his automatic weapon blazing and, by his forceful and determined leadership, served to inspire his men to heroic endeavor in killing seventy-five of the enemy and in driving the remainder into the bush, achieving a complete victory over the hostile force without the loss of a Marine. His superb courage, outstanding initiative and valiant fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon Captain Slusser and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Captain Slusser survived the war and passed away on October 31, 1983. I did not find a burial record or location for him.


Navy Cross Citation for Corporal John Yancey, USMCR:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal John Yancey (MCSN: 335303), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company F, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion in combat against enemy Japanese forces on the upper Lunga River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 30 November 1942. Leading his squad into a hostile bivouac, Corporal Yancey surprised over a hundred of the enemy and although vastly outnumbered, he charged into the group, his automatic weapon blasting. Following his daring example, his squad completely overwhelmed the Japanese, killing over fifty and driving the remainder into the bush. By his swift and courageous action, he won a complete victory over the enemy without the loss of a Marine. His great personal valor and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Yancey remained in the Marine Corps and at some point received an officer's commission. He was decorated with a second Navy Cross for his heroism in Korea on November 27-28, 1950. He passed away in May of 1986 at age 68 and is buried at the Little Rock National Cemetery in Arkansas.

The Marine Raiders were disbanded at the end of World War II, but their heritage is carried today by the Devil Dogs who are assigned to the United States Marine Corps Special Operations Command.