Ira Heinen served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Guam. His award citation reads: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ira E. Heinen (MCSN: 540371), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Guam, Marianas Islands, on 21 July 1944. Operating on the exposed left flank of his platoon where he was subjected to intense hostile mortar and machine-gun fire, Private First Class Heinen fought with determined aggressiven