The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Eleuterio Joe Marquez, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as Corpsman with an Assault Company attached to the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 13 October 1944. Although severely wounded in both legs during an action in which his company was subjected to intense hostile fire, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Marquez courageously dragged himself over extremely rough and difficult terrain to aid seven of his wounded comrades, and, although unable to walk, treated each of the casualties in turn, remaining with them and refusing treatment for himself until they were evacuated. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Marquez undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.