The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Emmett F. Kirby (MCSN: 458275), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Tank Crew Member serving with the Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, during the landing on Saipan Island, 15 June 1944. Volunteering to lead his tank from the coral reef through the lagoon to the beach, Private First Class Kirby courageously made his way in the face of terrific enemy fire until the water was too deep for him to walk. Unable to find a shallow path and aware that he was slowing the progress of the tank which was rapidly filling with water, he motioned the vehicle to proceed without him and, swimming the remaining distance of five hundred yards under persistent, accurate hostile fire, finally reached the cover of the tank where it had drowned out near the beach. Although wounded in the leg, he tenaciously continued on, sustained a second injury and still went forward, gaining the beach just as another burst of fire struck and mortally wounded him. Private First Class Kirby’s inspiring conduct, indomitable fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.