Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant David K Fauser (MCSN: 0-53814), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Commander of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 3 February 1953. With his unit assigned a supporting and evacuation mission during a raid against two strongly fortified enemy hill positions, First Lieutenant Fauser advanced closely behind the assault unit in the face of intense enemy mortar and small-arms fire and, although severely wounded by shrapnel during the action, refused aid or evacuation and continued in the attack, rallying his men and directing their fire. Observing that the forward elements were pinned down by grazing hostile machine-gun fire from an enemy bunker, he quickly organized and led an enveloping force in a daring maneuver to destroy the emplacement. Skillfully employing grenades, a rocket launcher team and demolitions, he succeeded in neutralizing the bunker, thereby permitting the attacking force to proceed in the assault. Although painfully wounded a second time by enemy fire while directing a flame-thrower team, he again refused medical treatment or evacuation and, continuing in the attack, personally killed three of the enemy with his pistol. When the order to disengage was received, he organized the remaining forces, directed an orderly withdrawal off the hill and, although wounded a third time while supervising the evacuation of casualties under heavy enemy artillery fire, gallantly elected to remain at his position until all his men were accounted for. By his great personal valor, exceptional leadership and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of heavy odds, First Lieutenant Fauser served to inspire all who observed him and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received