The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Marion Case Cheek, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving with the SIXTEENTH Naval District, Naval Intelligence, throughout activities conducted in the Philippine Islands during 1941 and 1942. Prior to the evacuation of Manila, Lieutenant Commander Cheek’s services had been valuable in ordinary responsibilities as well as in certain special undertakings. Lieutenant Commander Cheek collaborated in important liaison work and more particularly in matters directly involving combat, volunteering for reconnaissance trips in small craft, and on several occasions was under fire. His counsel and sound judgment were important contributions to the campaign in the Far East.