Ralph E. Moore, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ralph E. Moore, Jr. (500897), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, 27 and 29 July 1944. When the advance of his platoon was held up by heavy enemy fire on 27 July, Corporal Moore unhesitatingly made his way forward in the face of intense hostile opposition and, skillfully and accurately employing hand grenades, personally accounted for the destruction of three enemy pillboxes. Again on 29 July, he valiantly crawled forward under fierce machine-gun and mortar fire to a bomb-proof shelter containing about thirty Japanese and succeeded in silencing the hostile strongpoint with his grenades before he was mortally wounded. By his brilliant initiative and indomitable fighting spirit under extremely perilous conditions, Corporal Moore enabled his platoon to advance without losses, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 004271 (January 18, 1945)