The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Edgar M. Rector (NSN: 0-318196), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, on the islands of Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Group. On 3 July 1944, when the entire front line was forced to withdraw due to heavy enemy fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Rector remained forward of our lines until late at night, administering first aid and plasma to the wounded until they could be evacuated. Later, on Tinian, despite a painful wound in his hand, he moved forward under fire to aid a wounded Marine who could not be evacuated. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Rector received a serious chest wound at this time. His outstanding courage and disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.