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The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Louis J. Sigmund (1184679), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 28 November 1951. Although heavily outnumbered during a strong enemy assault against the company’s defensive positions, Private First Class Sigmund boldly delivered effective fire on the hostile force until the attack was repulsed. When a grenade from the retreating enemy landed within an adjacent bunker occupied by another Marine, he bravely leaped into the emplacement, seized the missile and threw it clear in time to avoid the full force of the explosion, suffering the loss of his left hand and sustaining severe shrapnel wounds on his head and face. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and selfless efforts in saving the life of a comrade in the face of grave peril to himself, Private First Class Sigmund upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
This platoon, one of the finest the United States ever produced, Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division. They were part of the competent infantry force that was essential in stopping the North Koreans. Our air, armor and naval supremacy was vital, and inflicted terrible casualties on the NK, but in the end Korea would have been lost had we not men, with hand guns, who had the courage and will to fight and defeat the enemy on the ground, face to face. These were among the finest men who ever wore the uniform of the United States Marines.
