The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Charles M. Sheehan (MCSN: 528051), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Flame Thrower Operator in a Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 17 march 1945. When his platoon was temporarily halted by fire from three hostile machine-guns on 22 February, Private Sheehan maneuvered his heavy equipment into position and, without the protection of covering fire, silenced the guns, thereby enabling his platoon to advance and seize its objective. On another occasion, after volunteering to attempt the destruction of an enemy bunker impeding the advance of his company, he moved close to the Japanese position and, despite heavy sniper fire, pressed his attack until his flame thrower was hit and damaged. Securing an automatic rifle from a wounded comrade, he again attacked and destroyed the bunker and its occupants. His outstanding courage, intrepid spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.