The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Donald James Hovatter (NSN: 5682107), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Corpsman attached to Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in Korea on 29 May 1951. A Rifle Platoon Corpsman, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Hovatter exhibited extreme courage and devotion to duty. While the company was engaged in the attack of a heavily defended enemy position, it was suddenly brought under a deadly volume of accurate small arms, mortar and artillery fire. Although fully aware of the danger, he fearlessly moved from one wounded Marine to another administering aid. When he observed another fallen comrade lying on the forward slope, he unhesitatingly raced down the slope in the face of almost certain death until he too fell seriously wounded by enemy fire. Although the wounded man still lay approximately one hundred yards away, he struggled toward him and was actually administering aid when he was again struck by enemy fire and was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Hovatter’s display of outstanding courage and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.