The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Haakon B. Rasmussen (MCSN: 0-20239), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while attached to the Third Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, Fifth Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 17 February 1944. While making a reconnaissance of the beaches on Engebi Island to detect mines and underwater obstacles and to determine the most suitable approach for landing craft, Second Lieutenant Rasmussen advanced to within sixty yards of the shore and, despite the intensity of enemy fire, proceeded with his mission, noting all hostile gun emplacements and making possible their destruction before the landing of the Twenty-Second Marines on the following morning. Continuing his daring action through three successive enemy engagements, he rendered invaluable service during operations on Engebi, Eniwetok and Parry Islands by blowing up enemy emplacements, underground tunnels and block houses which were a serious menace to our forces. His cool courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Rasmussen and the United States Naval Service.