The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Bobby G. McCracken (MCSN: 324136), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Second in Command of a Platoon serving with the Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 27 July 1944. With his company in Division reserve for a day and his platoon assigned a combat patrol mission to clear the area of enemy snipers who had been harassing a battalion command post, Platoon Sergeant McCracken promptly assumed charge of half the patrol unit when the platoon encountered heavy fire from a determined, well-entrenched enemy force instead of the expected few scattered riflemen. Repeatedly exposing himself to intense, accurate machine-gun, rifle and grenade fire, he courageously moved about among his men to place them in more advantageous positions. Observing that his squad leader was seriously wounded and lying in front of the lines, he unhesitatingly made his say forward in the face of terrific hostile opposition and succeeded in dragging his comrade to safety and making him as comfortable as possible before he himself succumbed to wounds received during this valiant action. Platoon Sergeant McCracken’s forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of another were and inspiration to his men and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.