The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Ernest Junior Umbaugh (MCSN: 333872), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Platoon Sergeant of the First Platoon, Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 9 December 1950. Subjected to heavy and accurate fire while leading his platoon in the attack against well-entrenched hostile positions on snow-covered mountain slopes dominating the Koto-ri Pass Road, Staff Sergeant Umbaugh repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to cross and re-cross the crest of the ridgeline as he coordinated and directed the systematic destruction of two of the three heavily defended hostile positions. Although his platoon was suffering many casualties, he rallied his men and charged in the lead of the final assault in which he personally destroyed two enemy machine-gun bunkers and annihilated ten of the gun crew. As he advanced toward a third hostile machine gun, he was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. By his courageous actions, he served to inspire others of his group to heroic endeavor in quickly overrunning the remaining hostile positions and seizing the objective, thereby contributing materially to the successful advance of the Division through Koto-ri Pass. His outstanding fortitude, leadership and aggressive fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Staff Sergeant Umbaugh and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.