The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Paul B. Balducci (MCSN: 260075), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as an Acting Rifle Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Assuming command of his platoon when the leader became a casualty during a savage exchange of hand grenades with the Japanese, Platoon Sergeant Balducci reorganized his unit and initiated a determined attack against the hostile forces at the base of Mount Suribachi. Courageously exposing himself to enemy fire to determine the location of hidden machine-gun and mortar nests holding up his company’s front, he personally destroyed two machine-gun nests with hand grenades and contributed to the destruction of five mortar pits and connecting trenches before he fell, mortally wounded. His bold leadership, gallant conduct and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Balducci and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.