The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Maurice A. Ragland (MCSN: 392436), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as Leader of a Machine Gun Section of Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), during the landing attack at Cape Torokina, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. When his gunners found it impossible to carry out his command to fire upon three mutually-supporting hostile bunkers because of the obstructing jungle growth, Private First Class Ragland proceeded alone in the face of intense hostile fire to the hazardous position and climbed to the roof of the center bunker. Then using voice and hand signals, he skillfully directed the fire of his command’s guns against the Japanese emplacements, including the one on which he was standing. Fiercely charging an enemy soldier who emerged and attempted to throw grenades at his gun crews, he struck the enemy unconscious with his fist and quickly hurled several grenades into the bunker beneath his feet. By his superb initiative, decisive judgment and courage in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Ragland sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.