The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Howard C. Hensley, Jr. (MCSN: 1175736), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 13 January 1953. Participating in a platoon-sized raid on a strongly defended enemy hill position far forward of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Hensley fearlessly led his squad under cover of darkness through intense hostile small-arms and grenade fire and, despite the heavy casualties sustained by his unit, effectively employed his weapons to pin down the enemy and allow his men to reach the objective. Subsequently, he quickly positioned his men at vantage points to cut off enemy reinforcements and proceeded to annihilate the entrenched hostile force. Observing that the platoon commander was wounded, he unhesitatingly moved under enemy fire to the side of the stricken officer and called a corpsman forward. Then, when the Platoon Sergeant also became a casualty, he immediately assumed command despite his own painful wounds and directed his men in completing the destruction of the hostile position. After skillfully deploying his depleted platoon to cover the evacuation of casualties, which numbered over half of the assaulting force, he courageously searched the enemy position to insure that all casualties were accounted for and removed to a safe area. Throughout the withdrawal, he maintained direct supervision of the rear guard that that was covering the evacuation and engaged the enemy in sporadic fire fights for approximately three hours until all casualties were evacuated to the main lines. By his indomitable fighting spirit, exceptional fortitude and valiant leadership, Sergeant Hensley served to inspire all who observed him and contributed in large measure to the success of his squad in completing its mission. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.