The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Howard D. Self (MCSN: 263725), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 2 July 1944. When his company was pinned down by a strong enemy combat group equipped with machine guns and grenade launchers, gunnery Sergeant Self skillfully disposed a section of light machine guns to cover the emplacement and, fearlessly exposing himself to the withering barrage to direct their fire, succeeded in annihilating two of the hostile guns, thereby creating a diversion on one flank and enabling riflemen to bring the position under devastating grenade and rifle fire. Then, hastily reconnoitering the area, he selected new positions and again displaced his section for further attack. Wounded by hostile shellfire during the fierce action, he valiantly continued directing the effective fire of his section until he was fatally struck down by a second burst of enemy fire. By his daring initiative, inspiring leadership- and great personal valor throughout the bitter assault, gunnery Sergeant Self enabled the rifle elements of his company to overcome enemy resistance and continue their advances, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.