The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Theodore Joseph Lutz, Jr. (MCSN: 0-56516), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 25 July 1953. Subjected to a devastating hostile mortar and artillery barrage while leading his platoon to the main line of resistance in order to effect the relief of a bitterly contested sector, Second Lieutenant Lutz fearlessly remained in an exposed position and quickly directed his troops into positions of safety. Assured that all of his men were under cover, he gallantly moved forward into the trench line to investigate the situation. Informed that the left flank of his platoon’s sector had been overrun by hostile troops, he immediately organized a small detail of Marines to re-establish contact with friendly elements on the flank and proceeded to lead the group towards the enemy. Although seriously wounded by hostile small-arms fire which knocked his helmet and gun to the ground, he directed his men to safe positions and personally engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding several others with hand grenades. Sustaining additional wounds during this action, he refused to be evacuated and reorganized his platoon, leading it in three successive counterattacks in the face of extremely heavy mortar, artillery and small-arms fire to rout the enemy from the trenches. After placing his men in defensive positions in the newly regained area, he remained with his platoon for over forty-eight hours, submitting to medical treatment only after the cease-fire agreement brought the fighting to an end. By his marked fortitude, courageous leadership and indomitable fighting sprit, Second Lieutenant Lutz served to inspire all who observed him. His personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.