Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant George C. McNaughton (MCSN: 0-48131), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Rifle Platoon Leader in Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces near Seoul, Korea, on 24 September 1950. When his company commander was fatally wounded a few moments after the beginning of an attack, First Lieutenant McNaughton immediately assumed command of the assault group which was composed of the remaining members of his own platoon and those of Company D and, although suffering from a painful shoulder wound, fearlessly led the charge against 500 to 700 of the enemy located in well-camouflaged fox-holes almost completely surrounding his position. An officer of outstanding courage and indomitable fighting spirit, he continued the attack against overwhelming odds and, with twenty-five Marines, reached and seized the objective. Hastily reorganizing his men, he deployed them in strategic defense positions to resist a possible counterattack. His cool leadership, strategic ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the assault and capture of this vital objective made possible the entrance of our forces into Seoul from the northwest and reflect the highest credit on First Lieutenant McNaughton and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received