The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Jack Keiningham (MCSN: 410715), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 16 June 1944. When a 37-mm. gun in front of our lines was silenced with the death or serious wounding of the last of its crew during a fierce enemy counterattack, Corporal Keiningham ran to his command post, obtained ammunition and, braving intense hostile fire, returned to the gun. While unfamiliar with that type of gun, he courageously manned it and fired eight rounds, destroying many of the enemy before receiving a wound which forced his subsequent evacuation. His courage, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Keiningham and the United States Naval Service.