Ralph Leroy Browner

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ralph Leroy Browner (516659), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 8 and 9 July 1944. During the night when the enemy counterattacked his company on the beach west of Kaberra Pass, Private First Class Browner set up his machine gun on the left flank of the line within six feet of the water’s edge and, despite intense rifle and machine-gun fire, manned the gun during the entire night. As the heat of the battle increased, he received fire from three directions but, tenaciously holding his position, accounted for thirty-five enemy dead and aided directly in protecting the left flank of the line and in repulsing the counterattack. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Browner and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 6685 (SofN Signed January 28, 1946)