The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Joseph Martin Budzynski (MCSN: 473706), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as an Acting Mortar Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 27 February 1945. Fully aware of the extreme danger involved, Corporal Budzynski courageously exposed himself to heavy enemy machine-gun, mortar and rifle fire to deliver accurate fire on two hostile positions which were impeding the advance of his company. After neutralizing the emplacements, he led a squad in an assault on the positions, killing several Japanese with an automatic rifle. Assuming command when his section leader was killed, he occupied an observation post which was exposed to heavy enemy sniper and machine-gun fire and directed the fire of the section and then, discovering a wounded rifleman in front of his observation post, unhesitatingly went to his rescue. After braving intense hostile mortar fire which killed the wounded man before he could be evacuated, Corporal Budzynski personally led a rifle squad in an assault on his company’s objective and contributed materially to the subsequent advance of his company. His indomitable fighting spirit, initiative and aggressive leadership throughout reflect the highest credit on Corporal Budzynski and the United States Naval Service.