The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Salvador Vargas (MCSN: 549654), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Runner of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 12 March 1945. While delivering a message to the front lines, Private Vargas observed that his company was receiving intense machine-gun fire and suffering heavy casualties from several enemy pillboxes. Courageously exposing himself to the heavy hostile fire, he voluntarily advanced ahead of the front lines and, working his way to one of the pillboxes, silenced it with fragmentation and smoke grenades. Then, proceeding to another one of the enemy emplacements, he neutralized it in the same manner and annihilated the occupants. Although painfully wounded in the chest and left leg, he continued through the withering machine-gun fire and, using hand grenades, completely destroyed the third pillbox. When his company moved forward to his position, he refused evacuation until ordered to the rear by his Commanding Officer. By his daring and aggressive action, he saved the lives of many of his comrades and was responsible for the rapid advance of his company in that sector. His indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.