The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant George C. Jovanovich (MCSN: 0-36144), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while attached to Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marine Regiment, FIFTH Marine Division, during initial assault operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation when his company’s advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Second Lieutenant Jovanovich boldly defied the blasting artillery and mortar bombardments behind laid down with rapidly increasing intensity to move up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse where he calmly deliberated preparations for its destruction. Calling for a flamethrower, he took station at the edge of the fortification and directed the flames inside. Instantly taken under fire by a number of supporting enemy positions, he remained steadfast and undaunted when his flame-throwing tactics failed in full accomplishment of the objective and, demonstrating cool presence of mind and expert professional skill despite the smashing fury of exploding shells and deadly sniper fire which blanketed his dangerously exposed position, carefully prepared, placed and detonated a powerful demolitions charge, thereby effecting the complete destruction of the hostile strong point. By his outstanding valor, fearless initiative and indomitable determination during a critical situation, Second Lieutenant Jovanovich contributed materially to the success of his division’s initial operations against this vital outpost of the Japanese Empire and his unwavering devotion to duty in the face of savage opposition upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.