The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Jason T. Charlton (MCSN: 432649), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area on 17 February 1945. When two bombs from an enemy plane hit the ship on which he was embarked, Sergeant Charlton organized a bucket brigade to fight the fire amidships and, although wounded and suffering from concussion, he manned a hose and went below to prevent the fire from reaching the fantail which housed eighty tons of explosives. Brought above decks after he had fought the fire until overcome by heat and smoke, he went below again as soon as he regained consciousness and manned the hose until the blaze was brought under control. By his initiative, cool courage and unselfish devotion to duty, Sergeant Carlton assisted in preventing further loss of life and property and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.