Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Henry E. Noonkester (MCSN: 594808), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader in Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Koto-ri, Korea, on 9 December 1950. Participating in an attack against three strong hostile positions located on successive precipitous mountain peaks, Sergeant Noonkester courageously led his squad in a very difficult enveloping maneuver against a well-fortified and vigorously defended enemy emplacement from which friendly assault units, including his own squad, were receiving heavy, accurate machine-gun and grenade fire. Undeterred by the barrage of direct hostile automatic weapons, mortar and grenade fire during the final assault up the face of a snow-covered precipice, he fearlessly closed with the hostile troops and, in the ensuing hand-to-hand fighting, succeeded in killing eight of the enemy and in seizing the strategic positions. By his cool leadership and outstanding tactical ability, he contributed materially to the success of the Battalion in seizing enemy-held terrain from which to cover the Division’s advance through the pass. His indomitable fighting spirit and gallant devotion to duty in the face of intense hostile opposition reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Noonkester and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received