The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Walter S. McIlhenny (MCSN: 0-5482), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Executive Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during a frontal assault upon a strongly fortified enemy Japanese position along the coast of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 27 August 1942. After organizing a volunteer party to advance and evacuate the wounded from the hazardous position well forward of the company, First Lieutenant McIlhenny, armed only with a rifle, and while under heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire, covered the advance and withdrawal of the rescue party, gallantly drawing enemy fire and silencing a Japanese machine gun nest. Although ill at the time and suffering shock from concussion of an enemy mortar shell, he returned to a vantage point close to enemy lines and, in the face of fierce sniper fire, acted as an observer, relaying accurate information necessary for fire control until ordered by his superior officer to leave his post. His great personal valor, above and beyond the call of duty, not only made possible the rescue of nine wounded men but also contributed to the success of Marine mortar fire. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.