Robert L. Gray

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Robert L. Gray (349737), Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with a platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 9 January 1944. With a large number of men in his platoon casualties and the rest pinned down by heavy rifle, machine-gun and mortar fire, during a coordinated attack on a hostile jungle ridge, Private Gray, hearing the order to assault, unhesitatingly charge up the hill, killed at least two of the Japanese and destroyed a machine gun before he himself was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His cool courage, spirit of self-sacrifice and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

SPOT AWARD, Serial 0940 (SofN Signed October 14, 1946)