The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private James P. Gallagher (MCSN: 612263), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Machine Gunner in Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 27 and 28 November 1950. Although painfully wounded during the initial assault when his company was attacked at night by a fanatical and numerically superior hostile force estimated at two battalions and employing mortars, grenades and small arms, Private Gallagher refusing treatment resolutely remained at his gun, firing continually into the face of the enemy and thrusting them back with hand grenades when they threatened to overrun his position. Later in the attack, when his section leader was seriously wounded, he unhesitatingly assumed command, moving from one position to another in the sub-zero weather under vicious hostile fire, reorganizing the men and shouting words of encouragement. Possessing a comprehensive knowledge of machine-gun tactics, he skillfully directed the fire to best advantage and was directly instrumental in repelling the attack and in inflicting approximately one hundred casualties on the enemy. By his superb courage, determined leadership and valiant fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, Private Gallagher served to inspire others to heroic efforts in defense of their positions, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.