The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class John Novina (MCSN: 450064), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company N, FOURTH Marine Raider Battalion, in the early part of the engagement at Bairoko Harbor, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 20 July 1943. Acting promptly and calmly in an emergency during an attack when all the other men in his squad were either killed or wounded, Private First Class Novina, on his own initiative, operated a machine gun alone while being subjected to the exceptionally heavy fire from enemy rifles, machine guns and mortars. His effective fire harassed the enemy and succeeded in allowing the left flank of his company to withdraw and reorganize for a continuation of the assault. The outstanding heroism and skill displayed by Private First Class Novina on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.