The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal John T. McAuliffe (MCSN: 379904), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with a platoon of Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 2 and 3 April 1945. Observing four Japanese emplaced in a cave as he patrolled the area near his platoon’s position on the night of 2 April, Corporal McAuliffe instantly attacked the enemy and single-handedly wiped out all four before they were able to open fire. Mortally wounded the following morning while acting in the point of his company’s advance, he stoutly refused to leave his post and succeeded in maintaining a steady stream of accurate fire until he had killed four more of the Japanese and had driven off several others in the act of setting an ambush for his company. By his fearless aggressiveness, indomitable fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of savage opposition, Corporal McAuliffe saved the lives of many comrades and his valiant conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.