The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant George H. Mead, Jr. (MCSN: 0-310143), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Executive Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 18 and 19 August 1942. When his platoon attempted to enter the village of Matanikau and was driven back by a harassing sniper, Second Lieutenant Mead, with courageous disregard for his own personal safety, proceeded alone into the depths of the jungle, searched out the hidden offender and shot him with a .45 caliber pistol. Although he lost his life in the daring accomplishment of this task, he enabled his platoon to resume and complete its mission without further loss of life. The gallant conduct displayed by Second Lieutenant Mead upon this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.