The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Forest Whitt (MCSN: 878485), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Group Leader in a Rifle Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 18 May 1945. When his platoon was halted by heavy enemy machine-gun, small-arms and mortar fire during an attack on a strongly-defended ridge, Private First Class Whitt voluntarily went forward with a supporting tank to direct accurate return fire on a key enemy emplacement. Exposing himself to an intense hostile barrage with complete disregard for his own safety, he skillfully directed the fire of the tank, destroying the emplacement and its occupants. Returning to his group, he relentlessly advanced his men halfway to the summit of the ridge before the unit was again halted by merciless fire from the determined Japanese garrison. Undaunted, he ran forward once more, reached the top of the ridge and, using hand grenades and automatic weapons fire, annihilated twelve of the enemy. Although mortally wounded as he again returned to the ridge with a fresh supply of grenades, Private First Class Whitt, by his unfaltering leadership and indomitable fighting spirit, had rendered valiant service during a critical stage of the action, and his conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.