The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class William J. Micklick (MCSN: 463544), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 8 and 9 July 1944. Assisted by two comrades in holding an important machine gun position during a counterattack on the beach west of Kaberra Pass, Private First Class Micklick turned over his weapon to one of the Marines and, with the assistance of the other, emplaced the second man’s gun in position to render protective fire. During the first rush by the Japanese to knock out this emplacement and break through the lines, he suffered serious wounds and, refusing evacuation, returned to his post and continuously threw grenades at the onrushing Japanese. Bravely maintaining his strong point until a medium tank came forward to give aid, he skillfully kept up sufficient fire to confuse the enemy, thereby greatly aiding in repulsing the counterattack. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.