The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private Richard Rowland Brunnhoeffer (MCSN: 965621), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Demolitions Man, serving with Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese-held Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Group, on 20 June 1945. When his company was pinned down by intense sniper and machine-gun fire and was unable to advance further in the face of the fierce opposition, Private First voluntarily scouted the fanatically defended Japanese positions and then ran across an exposed area to direct a tank forward to destroy the hostile emplacements. Again exposing himself to aid several men who were wounded and lying in a field covered by enemy fire later the same day, he picked up a nearby field radio, directed mortar smoke shells and, in the ensuing smoke screen, successfully moved the wounded men to a position of safety. Seriously wounded while bringing the last man out of danger, Private Brunnhoeffer, by his great personal valor and heroic sacrifice, saved the lives of his wounded comrades. His splendid initiative and gallant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.