Earl Lester Valentine, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Earl Lester Valentine, Jr. (0-51968), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 25 – 26 August 1953. Assigned the mission of restoring the company defensive perimeter when numerically superior hostile forces overran a key ridge line on the right flank, Second Lieutenant Valentine bravely led his platoon through intense enemy artillery and mortar barrages to the line of departure in preparation for a counterattack. Undeterred by persistent hostile fire, he boldly reconnoitered the terrain in the darkness, called in a mortar fire plan to the company command post to support his attack and, although wounded, moved his unit forward in the assault. At the height of the battle, he assumed a position forward of the platoon and spearheaded the attack in the face of a barrage of hostile mortar, grenade and artillery fire until he was mortally wounded. Second Lieutenant Valentine’s forceful and determined leadership served to inspire his men to heroic endeavor in driving the enemy from the ridge and in restoring the company perimeter. His superb courage and valiant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.