The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Leo A. Ticconi (MCSN: 392629), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 1 July 1944. When a terrific blast of enemy machine-gun and mortar fire from caves in a rocky cliff retarded the advance of his company, Private First Class Ticconi, on his own initiative, boldly pressed forward under the withering barrage and, fearlessly advancing up the steep cliff to an advantageous position for attack, hurled two well-placed grenades into the Japanese emplacement. Then, seizing his automatic weapon, he immediately opened fire and, after putting the machine guns out of action, killing all the occupants and five of the enemy attempting to flee the vicinity, continued firing until he was fatally struck down by a hostile grenade. By his daring initiative, his indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor in the face of grave peril, Private First Class Ticconi enabled his company to continue the advance and destroy all Japanese resistance in that sector. His valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.