The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunnery Sergeant John Quattrone (MCSN: 262772), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Gunnery Sergeant of Company K (then Company G), Third Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 16 May 1945. Immediately assuming command when all of his company officers became casualties during an artillery barrage, Gunnery Sergeant Quattrone reorganized his company and reported it ready for advance. When ordered to move forward after dark, he personally led his men into their assigned sector where they were immediately subjected again to an intense enemy artillery concentration. Risking his life to prevent disorganization of the company, Gunnery Sergeant Quattrone walked boldly throughout the area, placing his troops in tactical night defensive positions and, by calmly encouraging his men, instilled confidence in them, thereby enabling them to rally and repel the hostile attack. By his daring initiative and leadership, he contributed materially to the success of the Battalion, and his courageous actions throughout reflect the highest credit on Gunnery Sergeant Quattrone and the United States Naval Service.