The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunnery Sergeant Edward W. McGloin (MCSN: 251732), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during the enemy Japanese attack on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 13 and 14 September 1942. Assuming command when his platoon commander became a casualty in the close and bitter combat, Gunnery Sergeant McGloin risked his life in the heavy enemy fire to observe and control the action more effectively. Although wounded in the chest as he fought in the darkness, he courageously continued to urge on his men, personally throwing hand grenades into the attacking forces until he was temporarily blinded by the explosion of a Japanese grenade and was removed from action. His courageous leadership and indomitable fighting spirit aided materially in the successful defense of our position and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.