The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin A. Pollock (MCSN: 0-3745), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces Guadalcanal, during the night of 20 – 21 August 1942. When the troops under his command were subjected to a powerful and determined surprise attack at the Tenaru River, Lieutenant Colonel Pollock, immediately leaving his Command Post, advanced through severe enemy mortar and machine-gun fire to a position in the front line, and while thus constantly exposed to extreme danger, directed the defense of our forces for a period of twelve hours. As a result of his excellent judgment and superb leadership, the men under his command destroyed practically the entire enemy force of seven hundred. His outstanding courage and dauntless spirit of aggressiveness contributed greatly to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.