Frank E. Lovett, Jr.

Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 1019 (December 1, 1953
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Frank E. Lovett, Jr. (MCSN: 1139332), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 26 March 1953. Participating in a platoon counterattack against a bitterly contested enemy-held combat outpost far forward of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Lovett gallantly moved his squad and a machine-gun unit up the hill in the face of intense enemy artillery and mortar fire and cleared the trench line of hostile troops as he advanced. Upon reaching a position that was defended by a strong enemy force, he skillfully maneuvered his men to the left of the enemy and, fearlessly leading his squad through murderous hostile fire, closed with the foe and annihilated them with grenades and automatic-weapons fire, thereby enabling the platoon to continue its advance. When a devastating barrage of hostile fire forced the unit to withdraw to a defilade position, he quickly reorganized his squad and, establishing a hasty defense, moved about the area in the face of the heavy fire to direct their evacuation and to assist in administering aid to his wounded comrades. Observing that a wounded Marine was lying near the scene of the original encounter, he unhesitatingly left his position of comparative safety and advance through a hail of withering enemy fire toward his stricken comrade until he was stuck down and mortally wounded by an enemy mortar shell. By his valiant leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous initiative, Sergeant Lovett served to inspire all who observed him and contributed in large measure to the success of his squad's mission. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Sergeant Lovett was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on 26 March 1953.

Lovett was also awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.