The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Leor B. Larsen (MCSN: 0-27140), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while attached to the Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 1 and 11 July 1944. Acting as observer for his own section of 60-mm. mortars on 1 July, during the relentless drive against obstinate pockets of enemy resistance following our occupation of this vital enemy stronghold, Second Lieutenant Larsen voluntarily exposed himself to the direct fire of an enemy artillery piece for a protracted period and, covered by the debris from numerous near misses scored by the powerful Japanese weapon, tenaciously refused to withdraw from his dangerously prominent vantage point until he had located the continuously operating fieldpiece, thereby enabling his unit to bring their devastating fire to bear on the stubborn weapon. Painfully wounded while leading a patrol in final clearing operations on 11 July, he refused evacuation, continuing his valiant efforts against the desperate opposition until instantly killed in the act of hurling a demolition charge into an enemy-occupied cave. By his indomitable fighting spirit, resolute fortitude and sustained aggressiveness, Second Lieutenant Larsen contributed essentially to the final crushing of a ruthless and fanatic enemy, and his determined courage and unwavering devotion to duty throughout a period of fierce hostilities reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.