The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Richard R. P. Goheen (MCSN: 0-18851), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 19 to 21 May 1945. Although wounded in the right side by a mortar fragment during combat with the Japanese on 19 May, First Lieutenant Goheen refused immediate treatment until his platoon had gained a more advantageous position. When finally evacuated to the Battalion Aid Station, he gave invaluable information to the Battalion Commander concerning strongly defended cave emplacements facing his Company. Despite his painful wound, he insisted on returning to his platoon the following day and, while courageously leading his men in a daring assault against a key ridge position on 21 May, was wounded in the face and leg by an enemy hand grenade. Aware of the critical phase of the battle, he again refused to be evacuated and, in the face of intense machine-gun, mortar and grenade fire, continued to lead his platoon in the assault for four hours, thereby making possible the capture of this advantageous terrain. His courage and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.