The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Gordon C. Philpott (NSN: 2725769), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to a Rifle Company of the Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Fonte Hill, Guam in the Mariana Islands, on 25 July 1944. Pharmacists Mate Philpott was administering first aid to a seriously wounded Marine during the attack on Fonte Hill when he was subjected to heavy fire from several of the enemy who had been hiding in caves, and from an enemy machine gun to his left front. With utter disregard for his own safety he calmly and courageously continued his work until he had given all possible first aid. He then used his own body as a shield to protect the wounded man from enemy fire and attempted to defend his position with a pistol, his own weapon. As a result of his brave action the wounded man was saved from further harm, but Pharmacist’s Mate Philpott was mortally wounded by enemy rifle fire. His extreme courage, loyalty, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.