The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Thomas M. Hegerty (MCSN: 920044), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gun Crewman of Weapons Company, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 6 May 1945. When his section leader and squad leader were seriously wounded during numerous attacks by hostile patrols attempting to capture and destroy a small strategic outpost, Private First Class Hegerty, although suffering injuries caused by concussion, unhesitatingly assumed command and, using the wounded men who were still able to carry on, manned the squad’s machine gun. Attacked from all sides, he successfully repulsed the Japanese for eight grueling hours despite the lack of help and medical treatment. At dawn, when his machine gun failed to function properly and most of the ammunition was expended, he rendered the weapon useless and, taking of the two remaining wounded men with him, made his way through enemy territory back to his own lines. Risking his life a second time, he guided another Marine under the same perilous conditions to the position and succeeded in evacuating the remaining wounded man. His indomitable fighting spirit, efficient leadership and initiative in voluntarily risking his life to save the lives of others reflect the highest credit on Private First Class Hegerty and the United States Naval Service.