The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Morris L. Terry (MCSN: 402007), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Leader, serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. Held up by an overwhelming volume of enemy fire after he had been ordered to seize the high ground to the front of his position, Platoon Sergeant Terry coolly evaluated the stubborn opposition of Japanese fortifications situated between his platoon and the objective, quickly determined his assault tactics as the hostile bunkers and blockhouses continued to deliver an uninterrupted barrage, despite powerful blasts from our mortars and rocket launchers, and immediately requested tank support. Undaunted by the shattering bombardment, he personally guided a tank toward the advantageous firing position but when the intensity of heavy fire forced the armored vehicle to withdraw before reaching a supporting position, directed the crew of a 75-mm. pack howitzer to a vantage point, carrying a part of the heavy weapon and helping to place the gun in action although under continuous blasting fire. Determined to break through the Japanese defenses, he resolutely disregarded the mounting fury of increased fire from all types of hostile weapons to take station in an extremely hazardous forward observation post where he skillfully located and pointed out vulnerable targets for the observer. With the enemy fortifications partially reduced, he swept forward with his platoon under vicious concentrated fire, gained his objective and, reaching the high ground well in advance of his fighting comrades, personally destroyed two savagely resisting pillboxes from which his men were receiving a slashing hail of bullets. Fiercely aggressive, he spurred his men forward until the hostile strong point was completely neutralized and occupied by his intrepid forces. An inspiring leader and indomitable fighter, Platoon Sergeant Terry, by his bold initiative, outstanding valor and shrewd tactics, contributed materially to the crushing defeat of a ruthless enemy and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.