The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Walter Dixon Phillips (MCSN: 0-31052), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 27 November 1950. When an estimated two-battalion hostile force launched a sudden, vicious attack against his company’s position, penetrating the command post and surrounding his defense area on the frozen, snow-covered hillside north of Yudam-ni, Captain Phillips boldly charged to the forward platoon where the fighting was heaviest and, under blistering small-arms, grenade and mortar fire, personally directed the efforts of his units in fighting off the fanatic attackers. Undaunted by painful wounds sustained in the initial stages of the action and tremendous losses suffered in dead and wounded along the line of battle, he quickly moved from man to man in the forward areas, effectively redeploying his remaining troops and instilling in every man the will and determination to hold his position at all costs. Fighting furiously throughout four hours of intense action before he was mortally wounded in a grenade assault, Captain Phillips, by his forceful leadership, superb combat tactics and valiant efforts, was directly instrumental in the success of his company in repelling the enemy and in holding a vital objective despite overwhelming odds. His fortitude and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Captain Phillips and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.