The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Platoon Sergeant John D. Heim (MCSN: 285004), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy while serving as a platoon sergeant of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 12 April 1945. When his company was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force. Platoon Sergeant Heim voluntarily led his platoon forward to a vital ridge line in the face of an intense mortar barrage and heavy small-arms fire. During the ensuing fire fight, he constantly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to rally his men and direct fire on the enemy, personally inflicting numerous casualties and aiding materially in the neutralization of the hostile fire. By his inspiring leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the establishment of a defensive line and to the reorganization of his company, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.