The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Platoon Sergeant J. W. Whitley (MCSN: 281674), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 3 May 1945. When his platoon leader became a casualty, Sergeant Whitley assumed command while under hostile mortar fire and, when the platoon leader of an adjacent unit was mortally wounded during this action, assumed command of that platoon also. Skillfully organizing the two units, he defended the ridge against enemy counterattacks and, after relinquishing his command to a third officer who was sent to effect a withdrawal, again took charge when this officer became a casualty and directed the withdrawal with a minimum of casualties. Ordering two cases of hand grenades to be left at the top of the ridge, he returned there alone to fight a rear guard action and held off a twenty-man Japanese counterattack with an automatic rifle and hand grenades. By his outstanding courage and leadership, Sergeant Whitley afforded his platoons an opportunity for reorganization and continuation as an effective defensive unit, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.