The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Chester Osgood Penney, Jr. (MCSN: 0-44929), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Leader of an Infantry Platoon of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea from 2 to 11 November 1950. With his company pinned down by intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire emanating from a well-entrenched hostile strongpoint on commanding ground to the direct front of his position on 11 November, First Lieutenant Penney voluntarily risked his life to reconnoiter the approaches to the ridgeline. Continually exposing himself to shattering hostile machine-gun and small-arms fire as he advanced, he determined the key features and disposition of the enemy before returning to his own lines to prepare for attack. Spearheading the assault, he led his platoon directly into the heart of the position under blistering fire, plunging into the emplacement and personally killing at least seven of the enemy during the furious encounter. Coordinating and leading his platoon with superb skill until he was fatally struck down by a bursting hostile grenade, First Lieutenant Penney, by his aggressive leadership, valiant fighting spirit and grim determination, was directly instrumental in neutralizing the enemy force and in enabling his company to continue its advance. His fortitude and unrelenting devotion to duty throughout this period of intensive combat action served as a constant inspiration to all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.