The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel William Nessler McKelvy, Jr. (MCSN: 0-3733), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 9 October 1942 to 24 November 1942. Commanding the successful occupation of an outlying, defensive position on the east bank of the Matanikau River, Lieutenant Colonel McKelvy, by judicious foresight and skillful organization, proceeded to repel hostile counteractive measures. On 21 October, despite furious mortar and artillery fire, the battalion, with the aid of attached anti-tank guns, crippled one 15-ton Japanese tank as it approached their position on a reconnaissance mission. On 23 October, when the enemy launched a vigorous mechanized assault, the battalion, with the support of artillery and the aid of anti-tank guns and half-track tank destroyers, disabled nine 15-ton tanks along with the accompanying infantry. By his courageous initiative and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Colonel McKelvy contributed to the relentless fighting spirit which enabled his battalion to maintain an impregnable position in the face of repeated attacks by a desperate and persistent foe.