The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel John Joseph Cosgrove, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5060), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 to 19 June 1944. Courageously leading his troops in the face of terrific fire from enemy guns, Lieutenant Colonel Cosgrove captured the strongly defended position of Fina Susu and held it against the intensity of repeated counterattacks until ordered to withdraw. On 19 June, he placed himself in the forward elements of his command, composed of the remnants of two battalions, and led them in an assault on the firmly entrenched Japanese force and, although seriously wounded, enabled his troops to accomplish a most difficult but vital mission. His outstanding leadership and high professional skill reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Cosgrove and the United States Naval Service.