The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Barney V. Wright (MCSN: 437884), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Acting Squad Leader of Company C, Third Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 16 May 1945. When an enemy grenade was thrown into a shell hole on the front lines occupied by himself and five of his men, Corporal Wright courageously threw himself upon the hand grenade at the risk of his own life, thereby averting danger and probable death to his companions. His gallant fighting spirit, fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.