John J. Murphy, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John J. Murphy, Jr. (328014), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a member of a Rifle Company of the Second Marines (Reinforced), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces off the coast of Tulagi, Solomon Islands, on the night of 9 September 1942. With his ship illuminated by the enemy and hostile gunfire causing violent explosion of shells inside the magazine directly beneath his battle station, Private First Class Murphy voluntarily remained on board, despite devastating Japanese shellfire, to assist in repairing damage to the engine room until that compartment also became untenable. Although wounded by a shell fragment shortly afterward, he gallantly disregarded his own condition to help evacuate other injured shipmates to a dressing station ashore, following the beaching of the vessel. His conspicuous courage in a situation of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD (1943), Serial 057 (SofN Signed April 23, 1943)