Eusey, Charles Jacob, Capt

Capt. Eusey enlisted as a private from Los Angeles, California in September 1936. He sserved in various Stateside locations, as a clerk.  Following training with the Western Platoon Leaders' Class (1940) Reserve, Marine Corps Base, San Diego, he received his commission as a 2nd Lt. on 27 September 1940, USMCR, 11th Reserve District, MCB, San Diego. Returned to Active Duty in January 1942. at NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey. 

Returned to San Diego, in Parachute Training Center. in April 1942.  Company B, 2nd Parachute Battalion, Division Special Troops, 2nd Marine Division FMF, Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. July 1942.

January 1943, with Company B, 2nd Parachute Battalion, Corps Troops, 1st Marine Amphibious Corps in South Pacific, New Caledonia, etc..

In January 1944, F Company, 2nd Parachute Battalion 1st Parachute Regiment FMF, at sea. (Guadalcanal), rank of Captain. Vella LaVella, Choiseul, Solomon Islands, etc..

January 1945, commanding officer, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, FMF, en route.


 

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Charles J. Eusey, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 26 February 1945.

Notified that the company on his right was suffering severe casualties from deeply entrenched, heavily fortified Japanese positions commanding a vital ridge, Captain Eusey immediately conceived a plan of attack to relieve the situation along the Battalion front. Without waiting for further orders, he promptly notified his platoon leaders that the ridge must be taken and issued the command to advance.

Defying the enemy's shattering machine-gun, mortar and artillery fire, Captain Eusey personally led a daring frontal drive up the incline, constantly inspiring his men to heroic effort by his own indomitable fighting spirit and aggressive determination and continued his relentless assaults against each succeeding entrenchment until the ridge had been secured and enemy resistance neutralized.

Subsequently succumbing to wounds received during the fierce action, Captain Eusey, by his brilliant and forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, had contributed to the ultimate success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 31433 (June 14, 1945)
Action Date: February 26, 1945
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Company: Company I
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Regiment: 26th Marines
Division: 5th Marine Division