William Brian Lourim

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant William Brian Lourim (MCSN: 327074), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Combat Correspondent attached to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 10 June 1951. volunteering to accompany the point squad of the assault platoon during an attack against a strongly-held enemy hill position north of Yanggu, Sergeant Lourim bravely moved forward in the face of fierce hostile automatic-weapons, small-arms and grenade fire, alternately firing his rifle and taking notes of the action. When a Marine was wounded nearby, he quickly went to the aid of the helpless man despite intense close-range enemy machine-gun fire and, after moving the casualty to a safer place, gallantly shielded him with his own body with his own body until the stretcher bearers arrived. Learning that the assault unit was heavily engaged and subjected to hostile cross-fire, he hurriedly rejoined the attack and assisted in caring for the casualties during the ensuing fire fight. Later, in a daring attempt to aid another stricken Marine, he dashed across an open area swept by frontal and flanking hostile machine-gun fire and, while assisting the casualty, was himself mortally wounded by the enemy. By his outstanding courage, unselfish efforts in behalf of his comrades and unswerving devotion to duty, Sergeant Lourim served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.