The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Harrison F. Betts (MCSN: 0-45714), 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 Machine Gun Platoon Commander in Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 28 and 29 November, 1950. With the company command post suffering heavy casualties following attack and penetration by an enemy force of estimated regiment strength, First Lieutenant Betts daringly exposed himself to the intense fire to lead a hastily organized platoon of reinforcements through darkness and snow in an attempt to seal a gap in the line. Undaunted when white phosphorous bomb explosions exposed his unit to fierce and concentrated enemy fire, resulting in severe casualties among his men, he gallantly pushed forward with but eight surviving Marines, seven of whom were wounded, and reached an abandoned house. Completely ignoring his own safety, First Lieutenant Betts dragged the men into the building, administered first aid, and immediately took measures to protect them by moving about outside the house and killing any of the enemy who attempted to enter. Single-handedly, he kept vigil for over three hours and personally accounted for eleven enemy dead, including a machine-gunner and his assistant who were attempting to set up their gun and fire on his position. By his fortitude and superb tactical ability, he was directly responsible for saving the lives of the wounded men and denying the position to the enemy, thereby contributing materially to the ultimate success of his company. His valiant fighting spirit, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Betts and the United States Naval Service.