The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private John Rivers (MCSN: 350956), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gunner of the Eleventh Machine Gun Squad, Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese armed forces at the Tenaru River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 21 August 1942. Lacking the protection of riflemen, Private Rivers’ machine gun squad was forced to tear down its frontal protection to meet the oncoming strong Japanese landing force. In spite of tremendous difficulties the enemy attack was met and repulsed by fierce and determined fighting during which Private Rivers was killed. His personal valor and courageous devotion to duty contributed to the defeat of the enemy. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.