The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal John O. Kincaid, Jr. (MCSN: 347039), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. During the night of 18 September, Corporal Kincaid volunteered to occupy a sharp crest which afforded the only protection to his company’s flank position on a ridge. Late that night, an enemy mortar crew emerged from a cave and attempted to set up their weapon. Corporal Kincaid succeeded in destroying the weapon and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy with hand grenades and his sub-machine gun. Later on, enemy troops attempted to rush his position. Engaging the attackers in hand-to-hand combat, he, with the aid of his platoon leader, killed thirty of the Japanese. During the action he was wounded in the forehead by a ricocheting bullet while in the act of throwing a hand grenade, but for fifteen minutes more continued his fierce defense of the position. He left his post only when replaced and ordered to the rear. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.