Albert Harvey Collins

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Albert Harvey Collins (1046188), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Assistant Machine Gunner in a Machine-Gun Squad of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 21 September 1950. Despite a mortal chest wound suffered while he was advancing with his company in a concerted attack against strong enemy gun positions, Private First Class Collins courageously continued to craw forward in the face of intense hostile small-arms and machine-gun fire to the area designated for him by his section leader. After reaching his assigned position, he manned his machine gun alone and delivered accurate and devastating fire on the enemy until a corpsman was able to reach him and administer medical aid. By his unflinching courage, outstanding initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Collins upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.