The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph E. Nugent (MCSN: 326465), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of a Machine Gun Section serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 17 and 22 September 1944. When his platoon became separated from the remainder of the company during an enemy counterattack, Private First Class Nugent unhesitatingly volunteered to return to the company and obtain additional troops and, courageously making his way through hostile territory to the command post, led the reinforcements back to the platoon, thereby contributing to the reestablishment of contact with the company and the successful repulsion of the Japanese forces. With his section ordered to place immediate fire on the enemy to facilitate the withdrawal of a company on 22 September, he established his gun in the most exposed position in the vicinity, skillfully directing intense, accurate fire against the Japanese, and, although mortally wounded during this action, steadfastly remained at his post and continued firing until the withdrawal was completed and he was evacuated. By his splendid initiative and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril, Private First Class Nugent saved the lives of many of his comrades, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.