The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain John F. Burnes (MCSN: 0-2061), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the attack on Bois-de-Belleau, France, 12 June 1918. Captain Burnes was badly wounded, but completed the disposition of his platoon under violent fire. The injuries which he sustained in the performance of this self-sacrificing duty later caused his death.