The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain John G. Demas (MCSN: 0-45751), 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 H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea from 13 to 15 August 1952. Charged with the mission of defending a vitally important hill position, Captain Demas bravely led his company to the objective area under an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage and in the face of persistent sniper fire. Although wounded early during the action, he repeatedly exposed himself to withering hostile mortar, small-arms and artillery fire to select the most advantageous defensive positions and continuously moved from one foxhole to another to direct the fire of his men, shouting words of encouragement to them above the din of battle. When the enemy launched a series of vicious assaults against the company under cover of darkness, he constantly assumed positions in the thick of the fighting and, throughout a three-day period of intensive action, inspired his men in repelling the attackers. Blown from his feet while engaged in close combat with hostile troops, and with his clothes torn by shrapnel fragments, he continued to direct and reassure his men when the position was in danger of being overrun by the enemy and, although exposed to intense hostile fire, personally administered aid to the wounded whenever corpsmen were unavailable. By his superb courage, outstanding leadership and valiant fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, Captain Demas upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.