The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Donald A. Charpentier (MCSN: 419720), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Section Leader of a Demolitions Team of Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 21 June 1945. When he and his team were charged by five Japanese while placing a demolition charge in a by-passed hostile position in the rear of his attacking company, Corporal Charpentier killed two of the enemy with rifle fire and caused the others to withdraw into a cave which he closed by placing a satchel charge at the opening. Sending the other men of his team back for more demolitions, he remained alone to guard advancing riflemen against attacks from the rear and, while waiting, killed seven of the Japanese who emerged from a cave and forced several more back inside. When his men returned with demolition charges, he advanced in the face of hostile fire from the cave and closed the entrance, thereby eliminating the chance of another attack by the infiltrating enemy. Throughout the remainder of the day, he went from cave to cave and, always remaining between the Japanese and the advancing infantry, annihilated the hostile troops by sealing the entrance to their positions. By his outstanding courage under fire, Corporal Charpentier contributed materially to the success of his company in taking its objective, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.