Luke A. Kingsley, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Luke A. Kingsley, Jr. (462788), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, on 21 July 1944. Pinned down by intense enemy mortar, machine-gun and grenade fire from the far side of a ridge over which his platoon was attempting to advance, Private First Class Kingsley braved the hostile fire to advance up the ridge where he inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy with his automatic rifle and directed the fire of his platoon. Although wounded seriously by Japanese fire, he remained in an unprotected position and delivered effective fire on the enemy for more than an hour before being evacuated. His aggressive fighting spirit, courage in the face of hostile fire and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Private First Class Kingsley and the United States Naval Service.

Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 0295 (SofN Signed March 24, 1950)