The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Narcissus G. Cunico (MCSN: 984547), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 14 June 1945. The only remaining member of his machine gun squad when the Japanese launched a heavy counterattack, forcing the company to withdraw, Private Cunico remained at his gun despite the fact that the withdrawal of his company left his position unprotected and himself exposed to heavy hostile small-arms and grenade fire. Maintaining effective machine-gun fire on the hostile troops, he succeeded in holding off the main body of the enemy until his company’s line could be reformed and the Japanese repulsed. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.