The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Ernest W. Horak (MCSN: 374897), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of an Assault Unit of Company H, Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Parry, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 22 February 1944. Assuming command of his squad when his corporal was hit during the initial phase of the assault, Private First Class Horak courageously led his men forward through heavy machine-gun and mortar fire and although momentarily knocked unconscious by a shell fragment, covered the squad’s advance with a carbine until it was hot from his hands by machine-gun fire. Taking over the squad’s machine gun when the operator was struck by mortar fire, he successfully silenced the enemy’s automatic weapons in the area. By his outstanding courage, inspiring leadership, and zealous devotion to duty, Private First Class Horak contributed materially to the success of the operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.