The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Robert J. Blaha (MCSN: 809989), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 8 and 9 July 1944. When a determined enemy counterattack threatened our lines on the beach west of Kaberra Pass, Private First Class Blaha placed one man on a machine gun while he and another Marine provided protective fire, and, although he was wounded as the first hostile rush destroyed their position, unhesitatingly returned to his hazardous post and prevented a gap from developing in our lines. Engaging the onrushing Japanese in a fierce grenade fight, he and his two comrades tenaciously held their ground, continuing to maintain sufficient fire to confuse the enemy until a tank came forward to aid them in repulsing the furious onslaught. His indomitable fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.