The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Palmer Sylvester Braaten (MCSN: 402988), 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 in a Machine Gun Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces southeast of Yudam-ni, Korea, the early morning of 2 December 1950. With his company under vicious attack by a fanatical hostile force of Battalion strength during the hours of darkness, Private First Class Braaten fearlessly exposed himself to devastating hostile mortar, grenade, rifle and small-arms fire to direct the accurate and effective fire of his squad against the savage attackers. Moving from position to position throughout the furious battle, he skillfully repaired stoppages on the guns and calmly evacuated the wounded to the company command post as casualties occurred, at the same time encouraging his men and inspiring them to heroic efforts throughout more than two hours of bitter fighting in sub-zero temperatures. When the violent onslaught forced a withdrawal to a new position, he voluntarily manned a machine gun to cover the movement of his company and the evacuation of wounded from forward positions, remaining alone in his exposed position and continuing his fire until his ammunition was expended. Mortally wounded by a volley of hostile grenades as the last man left the area, Private First Class Braaten, by his fortitude, daring initiative and great personal valor maintained against tremendous odds, was responsible for the saving of many lives, and his gallant fighting spirit throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.