The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Eugene J. Frederick, Jr. (MCSN: 805698), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Rocket Launcher Operator while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. Observing three hostile tanks holding up the advance of his company with heavy fire, Private First Class Frederick courageously and voluntarily left his covered position and ran out in the face of heavy enemy fire to within twenty yards of the tanks. From a position fully exposed to hostile fire, he destroyed two of the tanks with accurate fire and, having expended his ammunition, ran to the rear through an area infested with enemy snipers to obtain more. Upon his return, he succeeded in destroying the third Japanese tank and enabled his company to continue its advance. By his resolute courage, initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Private First Class Frederick upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.