The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain John B. Melvin (MCSN: 0-47899), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea from 26 to 29 March 1953. Participating in a counterattack against a firmly entrenched and well-concealed enemy force which had previously overrun a vital outpost far forward of the main line of resistance, Captain Melvin repeatedly exposed himself to devastating hostile mortar, artillery and small-arms fire to direct and encourage his men in their gallant attack. As the number of casualties mounted, he courageously moved his depleted forces up the fire-swept slopes until, at the furthest point of advance, his effective fighting strength was reduced to twelve men. Although painfully wounded, he tenaciously directed his shattered garrison of Marines in holding the bitterly contested position until the next company could pass through his valiant line of defense and continue the assault on the final heights. Skillfully reorganizing his company, he moved to an exposed and heavily interdicted area to protect he flank of the newly-won position from hostile envelopment. Despite murderous enemy fire and repeated attempts to outflank or overrun his unit, Captain Melvin inspired his men to heroic endeavor in defending their vulnerable positions throughout the four-day battle. When an enemy mortar fragment shattered the radio in his hands and disrupted communications with the battalion command post, he unhesitatingly proceeded alone in the face of heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire across an estimated eight hundred yards of terrain infested by enemy suicide patrols attempting to cut the line of supply to the company holding the outpost. Reaching the friendly trench line, he secured new radios and returned over the same hazardous route to his embattled company. By his indomitable fighting spirit, dauntless leadership and resolute determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Captain Melvin served to inspire all who observed him and contributed in large measure to the successful recapture of the strategic objective. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.