The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Wilbur Nelson Herndon (MCSN: 0-45370/286264), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Executive Officer of Battery H, Third Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 7 December 1950. With the Division train halted by a strong road-block and his battery brought under heavy enemy mortar, grenade, automatic weapons and small-arms fire during an early morning attack, First Lieutenant Herndon promptly organized a firing line consisting of truck drivers and other non-artillery personnel along the road and, integrating them with his own battery, set up his guns between the vehicles in convoy while repeatedly exposed to the intense hostile barrage. Calmly moving up and down the line, he expertly supervised truck displacements and the supplying of ammunition for artillery pieces and machine guns; guided moving howitzers into position; pointed out targets of opportunity, often at distances of forty yards, and directed accurate and effective fire against the onrushing attackers. Painfully wounded in the right hand by shrapnel during the action, he staunchly refused medical treatment and continued to move from gun to gun, shouting words of encouragement to his men and inspiring them to heroic efforts in killing approximately five hundred hostile troops during the furious encounter in contrast to three killed and thirty-four wounded among his own units. His superb combat tactics, brilliant leadership and great personal valor in the face of grave peril were essential factors in saving the convoy from almost certain capture, and contributed to the success of the FIRST Marine Division in reaching its objective. His fortitude and courageous devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Herndon and the United States Naval Service.