The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Lyle F. Conaway (MCSN: 606744), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Rifleman of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 15 – 16 September 1951. When his unit was suddenly subjected to a fierce assault launched by a numerically superior hostile force from commanding ground under cover of darkness, Private First Class Conaway, along with another Marine, quickly volunteered to move forward to defend a heavy machine gun located on the extreme point of the northern flank. Courageously remaining in this exposed position in the face of the intense enemy barrage, he succeeded in delivering accurate and effective fire upon the attackers and, when the machine gun was rendered inoperative during the battle, raced from one fighting position to another, firing his weapon rapidly to simulate greater strength in the line until the machine gun was ready again for action. Although sustaining serious wounds, Private First Class Conaway steadfastly refused to be evacuated and continued his valiant stand against the enemy until he was too weak to fight any longer. By his indomitable spirit and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, he contributed immeasurably to the repulse of the hostile force. His inspiring actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.