The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Austin Clifford Jenson (MCSN: 0-49968), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Yudam-ni, Korea, on 29 November 1950. Following the success of an adjacent platoon in repelling a vicious assault by the enemy, many of whom withdrew in disorder to a heavily fortified key position to the front of friendly lines, Second Lieutenant Jenson promptly assumed the responsibility of attempting to storm and seize the stronghold. Spearheading the attack, he advanced to within forty yards of the area before the enemy pinned down his unit under a blistering automatic weapons and small-arms barrage. Ordering his men to cover him, he crawled forward alone under the intense fire to reconnoiter a tactical route of approach and, after locating a defiladed area to the left flank of his platoon, directed a forward movement, at the same time delivering accurate fire into the pillbox with his carbine. When the enemy again attacked from concealed fox holes at the base of the stronghold, seriously endangering his troops, he boldly stood upright to draw the fire to himself, thus distracting the enemy’s attention and, firing upon the hostile force, disorganized them sufficiently to enable his platoon to proceed. Stouthearted and indomitable, Second Lieutenant Jenson accounted for many dead and wounded while firing from his exposed position before he himself was fatally struck down. By his valiant fighting spirit, courageous leadership and concern for others in the face of almost certain death, he inspired his men to heroic efforts in driving off the attackers a short time later, and his gallant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.