Second Lieutenant Valentine was a member of Company H, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was seriously wounded while fighting the enemy in Korea and died of those wounds on 27 August 1952.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross
Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal

Navy Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Earl Lester Valentine, Jr. (MCSN: 0-51968), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 25 - 26 August 1952. Assigned the mission of restoring the company defensive perimeter when numerically superior hostile forces overran a key ridge line on the right flank, Second Lieutenant Valentine bravely led his platoon through intense enemy artillery and mortar barrages to the line of departure in preparation for a counterattack. Undeterred by persistent hostile fire, he boldly reconnoitered the terrain in the darkness, called in a mortar fire plan to the company command post to support his attack and, although wounded, moved his unit forward in the assault. At the height of the battle, he assumed a position forward of the platoon and spearheaded the attack in the face of a barrage of hostile mortar, grenade and artillery fire until he was mortally wounded. Second Lieutenant Valentine's forceful and determined leadership served to inspire his men to heroic endeavor in driving the enemy from the ridge and in restoring the company perimeter. His superb courage and valiant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 301 (April 28, 1953) Action Date: August 25 - 26, 1952