General Orders 1946 - Fort Benning

Lieutenant Colonel John J. Martin, 02231Ll3, Infantry, Army of the United
States, distinguished himself by gallantry in action on Bataon, Philippine Islands,
on 1 and 5 Amil 1M2. As senior instructor of the 1st Hattalion. 41st Infantry,
Philippine ~rmy, he displayed outstanding courage and gallantv in
attacking the enems up 300-foot cliffs and out of the Pantingan Valley without
supporting artiliery fire. This successful mission, accomplished on an erccedingly
dark night and fallomell by additional successful attacks, was a result of Colonel
~avtin'a gallant leadership and in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military profession.
Ca~tain Roherf Penneil. 022138. Meld Artillem. United States Armr. distinguished
himself by gallantry in action on Bntaan, Philippine Islands, on 19
January 1942. On his own initiative on that date, Captain Pennell organized
and led n patrol to investigate the reported presence of an enemy force in the
Abo-Abo Iiimr Valley. By his courageous conduct In action and with total
disregard . for his own safety. -. Cantain - PenneZl made a material contribulion to
the difficult Rataan defense.
Staff Sereeant Frann's M. SewelZ (Arms serial No. 19048450), 60th Coast Artillery
Antiaircraft, Coast Artillery Carps, Army of the United States, on 5 and 6
May 1942, displayed gzllantry iu action on Corregidor, Philippine Islands. During
the night of Japanese landings on Corregidor, he made numerous trips, under
heavy artillery and sniper fire, to re~ir communications lines which were
destroyed constantly by enemy action. By his courageous px'formance of this
voluntary work, Sergeant Sewell did much to maintain communications between
the headquarters and elements of the regiment.
Malor John B. Smith, 0349344, Infantry, Amy of the United States, as cammanding
officer, Company B, 45th Infantry, Philippine Scouts, displayed outstanding
gallantry in the Philippine Islands on 1&22 January 1912. Charged with
the seizure of Mt. Mataan and knoving its a~proaches were in enemy hands,
he couraneauslv - and skilfullv conducted a march thereto. His unit re~ulsed
repeated attacks from front, flank. and rear, and, though wounded, he heroically
directed a successful retirement. Najor Smith's acmm~lishment contributed
materially to protecting the flank of a Philippine division.
nlajor Bran% M. Turner, 00402000, Coast Artillery Corps, Army of the United
States, displayed outstanding gallantry in action at Bataan Air Field, Luzon.
Philippine Islands, on 8 April 1942. Without regard fo safety, duzing the heavy
bombing and straflng of the field and his battery, he assisted two wounded men
of the battery into his command car and drove them to the aid statbn Though
wounded at the time, Major Twner refused hospitalization and returned to his
battery. His actions and courage were irn inspiration to his men.
V..LEGION OF MERIT.-By direction of the President, under the provisions
of the net of Congress approved 20 July 1942 (see. 111. WD Rul. 40, 1942) and
Exccutlve Order 9260. 29 October 1942 fsec. I. WD Rul. 54. 1942). the Leeion - of
Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding
services during the mriods indicate3 was awarded msthnmously . br . the War
Department to the Iollowiug-named officers:
Major Stanleu B. Bmner, 016797, Field Artillery, United States Army.
December 1941 to April 1942.
Major Caleman T. Caruthere, 0298017, Infantry, Army of the United
States. December 1941 to May 1942.
Lieutenant Colonel Dwigl~t W. Edism, 018788, Coast Artillery Corps,
United States Army. December 1911 to May 1942.
AGO 4081B