The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private Joseph E. Wood (MCSN: 824797), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Browning Automatic Rifleman in a platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 20 June 1945. With his platoon viciously fired upon and pinned down by devastating machine-gun fire emanating from a Japanese emplacement while conducting operations against pockets of resistance, Private Wood fearlessly risked his life in a valiant attempt to silence the hostile fire. Despite a severe gunshot wound sustained during his bold advance against the terrific barrage, he paused briefly to reload his weapon and once more charged forward, firing his weapon with deadly effect as the intense fire continued unabated. Again wounded when another position opened up, he kept the enemy under fire until the remainder of his unit could move into covered positions and take up the attack. Fiercely aggressive, Private Wood accounted for the destruction of a hostile machine-gun nest and five of the Japanese before he succumbed to his wounds. His daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and selfless conduct in the face of overwhelming odds were contributing factors in the success of the bitterly fought Okinawa Campaign and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.