The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Leonard E. Rea (MCSN: 0-2205), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont, France, 4 October 1918. Second Lieutenant Rea retained command of his platoon after receiving a severe wound, which rendered him unable to move without assistance and would not leave the line until ordered by his commanding officer.