The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Jesse E. Murphree (MCSN: 491461), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as acting Platoon Leader, serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 15 March 1945. Sustaining painful wounds on two separate occasions while serving successively during the early phases of hostilities against this heavily fortified stronghold, Sergeant Murphree steadfastly refused evacuation and, consistently pushing the attack to the limit of his endurance, led his men and inspired them to heroic effort during the continued drive to capture the island. With his platoon pinned down by shattering grenade, mortar, small-arms and machine-gun fire during an advance against a well-concealed enemy entrenchment on 6 March, he promptly seized his bazooka and, crawling alone through the intense barrage, delivered a devastating attack from an exposed position to silence the fire and enable his company to advance. Concerned only for the safety of others when five Japanese soldiers infiltrated a near-by line of defense prior to dawn on 9 March, Sergeant Murphree voluntarily left the cover of his foxhole and moved through the darkness over rough, broken terrain for a distance of fifty yards and, vigorously engaging three of the enemy in fierce combat, killed each in turn and put the others to flight. Fatally struck down by a sniper’s bullet while crossing a hostile fire lane in advance of his depleted platoon on 15 March, Sergeant Murphree, by his gallant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and bold tactics maintained throughout each bitterly fought engagement, had contributed materially to the success of the Iwo Jima campaign and his constant devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself, his intrepid Marines and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.