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Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 2d Battalion,
24th Marines, 4th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands,
21 February 1945. Entered service at: Illinois. Birth: 10 August 1911, Chicago,
Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of a rifle
company attached to the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division,
in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima,
Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Determined to break through the enemy's
cross-island defenses, Capt. McCarthy acted on his own initiative when
his company advance was held up by uninterrupted Japanese rifle, machinegun,
and high-velocity 47mm. fire during the approach to Motoyama Airfield No.
2. Quickly organizing a demolitions and flamethrower team to accompany
his picked rifle squad, he fearlessly led the way across 75 yards of fire-swept
ground, charged a heavily fortified pillbox on the ridge of the front and,
personally hurling hand grenades into the emplacement as he directed the
combined operations of his small assault group, completely destroyed the
hostile installation. Spotting 2 Japanese soldiers attempting an escape
from the shattered pillbox, he boldly stood upright in full view of the
enemy and dispatched both troops before advancing to a second emplacement
under greatly intensified fire and then blasted the strong fortifications
with a well-planned demolitions attack. Subsequently entering the ruins,
he found a Japanese taking aim at 1 of our men and, with alert presence
of mind, jumped the enemy, disarmed and shot him with his own weapon. Then,
intent on smashing through the narrow breach, he rallied the remainder
of his company and pressed a full attack with furious aggressiveness until
he had neutralized all resistance and captured the ridge. An inspiring
leader and indomitable fighter, Capt. McCarthy consistently disregarded
all personal danger during the fierce conflict and, by his brilliant professional
skill, daring tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming
odds, contributed materially to the success of his division's operations
against this savagely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His cool
decision and outstanding valor reflect the highest credit upon Capt. McCarthy
and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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