The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Herbert J. Hodges (MCSN: 374695), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Gunner in an Antitank Rocket Team of Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 17 June 1944. During a fierce enemy tank and infantry attack at night, Private First Class Hodges moved out to meet the hostile tanks and, bringing his fire to bear on the vehicles, succeeded in hitting and putting out of action, seven hostile tanks while firing only seven rounds of ammunition. His intrepid spirit, great personal valor and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Hodges and the United States Naval Service.