The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman James Herbert McVeen (NSN: 2359014), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while attached to Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in Korea on 27 March 1953. Serving as Platoon Corpsman, Hospitalman McVeen displayed incredible courage and devotion to duty. During an attack on an outpost recently captured by the enemy, the unit was subjected to devastating hostile mortar and small arms fire which caused over seventy-five percent casualties within the platoon. Expressing absolute disregard for his personal safety, Hospitalman McVeen courageously exposed himself to move among his wounded comrades in order to render invaluable medical aid and direct their expeditious evacuation. Despite the fact that he had gone twenty-four hours without food or sleep, his heroic actions were tireless. Although painfully wounded and literally thrown off his feet by the intense enemy fire, he refused to be evacuated and dauntlessly continued with his vital life-saving administrations until he fell mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country. While performing his intrepid actions and expending his energy beyond normal endurance, he had completely exhausted his medical supplies as he willingly sacrificed his life for his stricken comrades. Hospitalman McVeen’s unparalleled display of courage and exceptional devotion to duty served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.