The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Hugh E. Graham, Jr. (MCSN: 323303), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Leader of a Fire Team serving with the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 18 September 1944. When his squad leader assumed command of the platoon, Corporal Graham unhesitatingly took charge of the squad and led his men through an intense barrage of hostile rifle, mortar and machine-gun fire in a bitter assault against strongly fortified enemy trenches. Fiercely hurling hand grenades, he succeeded in annihilating a Japanese mortar and its crew, then fearlessly leaped into a trench and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, inspiring his men to follow in a vigorous attack against the hostile position. Although mortally wounded during the violent close-in fighting which ensured, Corporal Graham steadfastly continued to direct his unit throughout the assault, insuring the complete destruction of the entire enemy objective before he succumbed to his wounds. His daring initiative and great personal courage in the face of grave peril were an inspiration to all his comrades, and his valiant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.