The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Robert C. Lyman (MCSN: 506176), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving in a Rifle Platoon of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Group, 21 June 1945. When his platoon sergeant was wounded and evacuated, Corporal Lyman immediately took his place and led the platoon forward in an attack. Realizing that most of his men were new replacements and unfamiliar with tactics under fire, he directed the inexperienced Marines to the more advantageous positions from which to fire upon the enemy. Constantly exposing himself to hostile fire, he went forward repeatedly to destroy Japanese positions disrupting the advance and, on once occasion, when machine-gun fire pinned down his platoon, advanced alone, flanked the hostile position and, with rifle fire and grenades, killed seven of the enemy and destroyed their weapon before he was seriously wounded by a last burst from the gun. By his extreme courage, daring initiative, fearless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Lyman contributed to the success of his company in advancing against the Japanese, and his conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.