The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospital Apprentice Second Class Arthur Donald Bownik (NSN: 8708822), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 12 May 1945. When the company to which Hospital Apprentice Second Class Bownik was attached was pinned down by extremely heavy enemy fire, he initiated an effort that saved two wounded comrades’ lives. Moving fearlessly to the exposed position in front of the lines where the two wounded men lay, Hospital Apprentice Second Class Bownik heroically went to their rescue. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, he administered first aid while under intense enemy rifle fire. Although seriously wounded himself, he remained with the wounded men until they were able to be evacuated. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Hospital Apprentice Second Class Bownik undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.