The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ernest James Hightower (MCSN: 585091), 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 Fire Team Leader in Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the early morning of 1 June 1951. Quick to act when his platoon was pinned down by blistering fire emanating from a heavy enemy machine gun during an assault against a hostile force of approximately battalion strength disposed in heavily fortified, well-camouflaged positions on a steep ridgeline, Private First Class Hightower voluntarily left his position and crawled directly through the hostile weapon’s fire lane, boldly advancing up the incline to within five yards of the bunker. Hurling a fragmentation grenade into the emplacement with deadly accuracy, he killed the gunner and then charged the position and, when the assistant gunner attempted to swing the weapon in his direction, promptly trained his rifle and fired at point-blank range, killing him instantly and seizing his gun. Manning the weapon himself, he turned it around and temporarily pinned down a second hostile light machine gun firing on friendly troops below, continuing his effective fire until a stoppage developed and put the captured gun out of action. Immediately rejoining his unit, he moved further up the ridge in a valiant attempt to wipe out the position and while engaged in a vicious bayonet charge, was fatally wounded by enemy automatic-rife fire. By his daring and forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, Private First Class Hightower contributed immeasurably to the success of the determined assault, and his stouthearted devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.