The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Kenneth Ronald McGuire (MCSN: 481230), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Pioneer Company, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 29 July 1944. When well-concealed enemy forces opened heavy fire on his company causing many casualties, Private First Class McGuire voluntarily ran forward with a machine gun and selected a log as a gun rest and, laying down a devastating barrage of fire from this exposed position, forced the Japanese to withdraw, thereby enabling his company to evacuate its casualties and continue the attack. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.