The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Francis D. Rineer (MCSN: 0-11612), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 20 September 1944. Assuming command after his Commanding Officer had become a casualty during the initial fighting, First Lieutenant Rineer boldly led his company in repeated attacks against the enemy entrenched in dense jungle concealing a network of pillboxes. With only forty men left in his company on the morning of 20 September, he assaulted the steep coral slopes of Hill 100 in the face of intense fire emanating from hostile machine guns entrenched in coral caves and personally remained in the midst of the furious fighting to urge his men forward until seriously wounded in both legs. Steadfastly refusing evacuation, First Lieutenant Rineer courageously struggled forward to commanding ground and calmly organized his twenty-four remaining men into a defensive position from which they succeeded in accomplishing their mission. His cool gallantry, daring initiative and intrepid devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.