The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Jack Vernon Williams (MCSN: 562557), 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 a Machine Gun Squad attached to Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces during the perimeter defense of Hagaru-ri, Korea, on the night of 6 – 7 December 1950. During the fire fight following an attack on his company by a hostile Battalion employing small arms, automatic weapons and grenades, Corporal Williams observed several of the enemy capture and prepare to use one of his company’s light machine guns against friendly forces. Undaunted by intense hostile fire, he rushed across an unprotected area to the captured weapon and, boldly launching a single-handed attack with grenades and rifle fire, killed three of the enemy, recaptured the machine gun and returned it to his company before he was mortally wounded by enemy small-arms fire. By his quick initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and staunch devotion to duty in the face of hostile opposition, Corporal Williams assisted materially in averting a serious threat to the front lines, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.