The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Ralph H. Currin (MCSN: 0-7426), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Operations Officer of the Third Battalion, Eighth Marines (Reinforced), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 15 to 17 January 1943. Voluntarily attempting to wipe out a fiercely resisting enemy deeply entrenched in a ravine south of Point Cruz, Captain Currin valiantly rallied a reduced company of fifty-five men and led them forward against devastating hostile machine-gun, rifle, mortar and grenade fire. An indomitable and courageous leader, he continued his daring tactics throughout a furious three-day attack, directing each phase of the bitterly-fought engagement to capture or destroy four heavy machine guns, twelve light machine guns, two 77-mm. field pieces, three large ammunition dumps and many rifles, mortars and grenades, and to account for seventy-two enemy dead with the loss of only one of his own men. By his professional skill, aggressive determination and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, Captain Currin contributed materially to the success of this outstanding victory over an overwhelming Japanese force, and his courageous devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his command and the United States Naval Service.