The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Ralph F. Estey (MCSN: 0-34328), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 27 – 28 March 1953. Assigned the difficult and extremely hazardous mission of counterattacking and reoccupying a vital enemy-held combat outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, Captain Estey fearlessly led his company over unfamiliar terrain through a murderous barrage of enemy mortar and artillery fire to the line of departure. Although the deadly hail of fire pinned down the unit and continued to sweep the area throughout the assault, he repeatedly exposed himself to the devastating barrage to rally and direct his company, providing a stirring example of leadership and coolness under fire which inspired his men to heroic endeavor in maintaining the tactical integrity of the unit. Despite severe casualties, he gallantly led his men in six determined assaults on the objective in the face of a vastly outnumbering enemy force before securing and consolidating the greater part of the objective. With his gallant garrison of Marines reduced to forty-three men, he ordered preparatory fire on the remaining enemy-held portion of the outpost and made arrangements to advance and gain the entire area. Upon arrival of relief forces, he immediately directed the withdrawal of his casualty-ridden unit and remained to assist the relieving commander and acquaint him with the existing situation before leaving the area. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous leadership and resolute determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Captain Estey served to inspire all who observed him and was instrumental in the final and successful accomplishment of the mission. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.