The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Walter C. McKay (MCSN: 360478), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Radio Operator serving with Headquarters Company, Twenty-Second Marines, Fifth Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 23 February 1944. After landing successfully in the face of heavy enemy mortar and machine-gun fire, Corporal McKay was fatally wounded while sending a message and, when discovered sometime later by a corpsman, was still attempting to operate his radio despite his critical condition. His great personal valor and inspiring devotion to the completion of a vital task, when he might have saved himself by retiring to the rear for medical aid, reflect the highest credit upon Corporal McKay and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.