The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Robert Frederick Crowton (MCSN: 0-41797), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader of Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 5 May 1945. Setting up a defense in a recently captured key position approximately two hundred yards in advance of the front lines, Second Lieutenant Crowton gallantly defended this almost untenable area in the face of a heavy onslaught, in which his unit engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, he led his men in annihilating the entire force of more than seventy Japanese and, although severely wounded himself by a hostile hand grenade, personally accounted for one of the enemy. In addition, he succeeded in locating and destroying vital equipment to prevent its capture by the Japanese. After reorganizing his defense against further attack, he steadfastly retained his command throughout the night despite his painful wound, refusing to be evacuated until he had returned to his company command post and submitted a brief report in writing. His courageous leadership and indomitable fighting spirit throughout this action reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Crowton and the United States Naval Service.