The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Julius O. Lemcke (MCSN: 0-12004), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company C, Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 4 March 1945. When his company received the order to attack in support of an infantry battalion, Captain Lemcke made a reconnaissance of the zone of action and, in the face of fierce enemy fire, went forward of the front lines several times to obtain better observation. Although the hostile fire was particularly heavy and the zone of attack was covered by several antitank guns, he insisted on personally leading his tanks forward on foot to achieve more efficient support for the infantry through closer liaison with the front line elements. During this attack, he spurred his platoons on, pointing out routes through particularly difficult terrain and, deploying his units masterfully, guided them forward from his position on the ground, thus aiding in the destruction of thirteen enemy pillboxes. In the afternoon when a tank was hit forty yards forward of the line, he ran through intense enemy fire to assist the wounded men. By his courage, initiative and inspiring leadership, Captain Lemcke contributed materially to the success of the day’s operation, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.