The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Richard Stanley Gzik (MCSN: 1114026), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with a Provisional Rifle Platoon of Battery M, Fourth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 2 December 1950. When a hostile attack developed while he held a key defensive position to cover possible avenues of approach with his automatic rifle, Private First Class Gzik took full advantage of his excellent observation and field of fire and delivered accurate and effective fire upon the advancing enemy troops, killing or wounding many of them and completely breaking up the hostile attack. Although the enemy, now aware of his position, concentrated its strength in his direction in an effort to silence his deadly fire and neutralize his position, he courageously remained at his post and delivered a steady and deliberate hail of bullets into enemy positions, destroying a hostile machine gun and its surrounding crew. During this action, he was mortally wounded by hostile hand grenade fragments. By his outstanding fortitude, daring initiative and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Gzik contributed directly to the repulse of an enemy attack, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.