The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Martin J. O’Brien (MCSN: 0-25174), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Mariana Islands, 22 July 1944. Ordered to attack enemy positions at the crest of a steep, bare ridge in an effort to seize the high ground commanding the beachhead, Second Lieutenant O’Brien courageously led his platoon in a determined assault until the advance was halted halfway up the slope by withering hostile machine-gun fire. Skillfully withdrawing the remainder of the platoon to a place of cover, he promptly reorganized his units and, constantly exhorting his men to follow him, again led the charge up the slope in the face of terrific machine-gun, rifle, grenade and mortar fire, successfully reaching the crest of the ridge before he was mortally wounded. By his inspiring leadership and dauntless fighting spirit under extremely perilous conditions, Second Lieutenant O’Brien enabled his platoon to gain its objective, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.