The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Staff Sergeant Daniel M. Murphy (MCSN: 276795), 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 Sergeant in Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 27 and 28 November 1950. With an overwhelming hostile force of approximately two battalions making a fierce and sustained night attack on his company in sub-zero weather north of Yudam-ni, and with the company command post surrounded and overrun, Staff Sergeant Murphy daringly exposed himself to intense machine-gun, mortar, grenade and small-arms fire to lead a group of twelve in a self-imposed attempt to reach the post and aid its personnel. When the enemy detected his right-flanking attack and subjected his group to heavy concentrated fire, he boldly rallied his men and, firing his weapon and throwing grenades, continued to spearhead the uphill assault until the hostile forces were driven from the action and his objective attained. Finding the company command post stricken by severe casualties and without a leader, Staff Sergeant Murphy immediately assumed command and, calling the remaining thirty-five men together, reorganized them in readiness to defend the position. With high combat efficiency, he redeployed the machine-gun crews and directed effective fire on the main body of the enemy by personally spotting all the hostile strong points. Throughout the long hours of darkness, he encouraged his troops as they fought to hold the line and continued to brave the hail of hostile fire from all directions as he moved among the men to distribute the waning supply of ammunition and comfort the wounded. By his gallant leadership and superb tactical ability, he was directly responsible for denying the key position to the enemy. His outstanding courage and unswerving devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who observed him, thereby reflecting the highest credit upon Staff Sergeant Murphy and the United States Naval Service.