The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Joseph W. Shawn (MCSN: 331690), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Tank commander serving with Company A, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 17 June 1945. Unable, because of rough terrain, to bring his tank to bear on a hostile position which had disabled his platoon leader’s tank and was continuing to fire on the vehicle, Platoon Sergeant Shawn dismounted from his own tank and crawled forward to within grenade range and hurled white phosphorous grenades into the Japanese emplacement, creating a smoke screen and silencing the enemy fire. Under cover of the screen, he directed an infantry fire team forward to evacuate the wounded tank crew members and platoon leader. By his courageous initiative and determination in the face of grave danger, Platoon Sergeant Shawn was responsible for saving the lives of his comrades, and his valiant action reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.