The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Howard W. Dodd (MCSN: 475400), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on The Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, in the Marianas Group, on 26 July 1944. boldly aggressive during the fierce assault, Private First Class Dodd fought with tenacious determination against a vastly outnumbering force of Japanese troops occupying a strategic hill on the right flank of his Battalion’s position and, when his platoon was ordered to retire from the bitter, uneven battle, courageously volunteered to remain behind and cover the retirement. Severely wounded during the initial stages of withdrawal, he consistently refused medical aid, steadily delivering a continuous stream of accurate and devastating rifle fire at the enemy despite the overwhelming odds until fatally struck down at his post. By his intrepid initiative, resolute fortitude and great personal valor, Private First Class Dodd contributed essentially to the successful withdrawal of his platoon and aided materially in averting their threatened annihilation. His self-sacrificing devotion to duty in the face of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon Private First Class Dodd and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.