The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Raymond W. Bahring (MCSN: 885155), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a member of a Demolitions Squad, serving with Company C, Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 21 February to 1 March 1945. Assigned with his squad to blast a series of mutually supporting caves retarding the advance of Landing Team 128 at the base of Mount Suribachi on D-Day plus -2, Corporal Bahring voluntarily undertook the perilous mission himself and, boldly advancing along the broken, jagged terrain, conducted an accurate reconnaissance to locate the emplacements. Constantly the target of hostile grenade and small-arms fire, he courageously edged his way up the incline and, single-handedly placed his charges, closed each cave in turn and enabled the infantry to renew its advance up the mountain. With Company B pinned down by shattering fire emanating from emplacements in a ravine fifty yards to the front and covering the only line of advance open to the infantry during a drive against Hill 362 on 1 March, Corporal Bahring unhesitatingly made his way down the narrow draw through intense machine-gun fire and, hurling his small charges to neutralize the fire temporarily until he could gain an advantageous position for blasting, succeeded in reaching the initial pillbox and placing the demolition before he was fatally struck down by hostile automatic fire while detonating the final charge to destroy the position. By his daring initiative, valiant fighting spirit and unwavering zeal maintained in the face of tremendous odds, Corporal Bahring served as a constant inspiration to his comrades and contributed materially to the success of the Iwo campaign. His gallant conduct and self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout the fierce hostilities reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.