The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Joseph Richard Kurcaba (MCSN: 0-39091), 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 B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea, from 21 October to 8 December 1950. With both platoon commanders seriously wounded when his assault platoons were pinned down under intense hostile fire during a fierce attack against a well-entrenched and numerically superior enemy force, First Lieutenant Kurcaba gallantly rushed forward through blinding snow which seriously hampered vision and precluded the use of supporting arms and, although continually drawing heavy hostile small-arms and machine-gun fire to himself, courageously moved from position to position, reorganizing his men and preparing them to continue the assault. After completing the reorganization, he personally led the forward platoon in a renewed attack, constantly encouraging the men and resolutely pressing ahead until he fell, mortally wounded. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, First Lieutenant Kurcaba was responsible for the successful overrunning of the enemy position and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.