The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private Donald Jackson Sandy (MCSN: 988582), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 7 May 1945. During an attack on a tenaciously defended enemy ridge, Private Sandy located a Japanese position which was causing heavy casualties in his company. Advancing courageously to engage the enemy position by fire, he succeeded in neutralizing it, continuing his solitary attack until all his ammunition was expended. Braving intense mortar and small-arms fire to resupply himself, he returned to his advanced post and destroyed the hostile fortification with grenades, killing all the enemy occupants, but sacrificing his own life to accomplish his mission. By his courage and outstanding devotion to duty, Private Sandy contributed materially to the success of our forces and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.