The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Robley E. West (MCSN: 0-7057), 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 the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 23 and 24 April 1951. Assigned the mission of attacking and seizing critical high ground on the division flank to prevent encirclement by a large enemy force which had penetrated the adjacent friendly unit, Lieutenant Colonel West courageously led his battalion into an engagement with powerful hostile forces driving toward the exposed flank of the division. When the numerically superior enemy force launched a violent attack which continued unabated for fifteen hours, he coolly and skillfully directed a brilliant defense of his battalion’s position on a vital terrain feature and, boldly exposing himself to intense hostile fire, held the ground until ordered to assume new defensive positions. Although the battalion was virtually surrounded, he expertly directed the movement, fearlessly guiding his men as they fought their way along approximately 1,000 yards of a route dominated by enemy troops occupying positions on high ground. Under his excellent direction, the battalion successfully completed its mission, major elements of the hostile regiment were destroyed, and the many casualties were safely removed along with vital battalion equipment. By his inspiring leadership and aggressive determination, he contributed materially to the infliction of severe losses on the enemy in that sector, which resulted in their subsequent inability to interfere seriously with the remaining elements of the friendly division. His unwavering devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds reflects great credit upon Lieutenant Colonel West and the United States Naval Service.