The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private Robert L. Gray (MCSN: 349737), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with a platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 9 January 1944. With a large number of men in his platoon casualties and the rest pinned down by heavy rifle, machine-gun and mortar fire, during a coordinated attack on a hostile jungle ridge, Private Gray, hearing the order to assault, unhesitatingly charge up the hill, killed at least two of the Japanese and destroyed a machine gun before he himself was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His cool courage, spirit of self-sacrifice and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.