The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Petty Officer Barber

United States Navy

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 


CITATION: For extraordinary heroism on 25 November 1968 while serving as a corpsman with Company "I", Third Battalion Fourth Marines. Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the afternoon hours, Petty Officer (then hospitalman) Barber was accompanying a platoon engaged in patrol activities in Quang Tri Province. While crossing an abandoned landing zone, the unit was attacked by well-entrenched North Vietnamese army force employing command-denotated mines, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons which wounded four Marines and forced the others to seek cover in a nearby wooded area. Observing that the four casualities were lying dangerously exposed to hostile fire, Petty Officer Barber disregarded his own safety to reach one of the fallen men. After administerting first aid, Petty Officer Barber moved the man to a safer position and, undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire, boldly maneuvered across the area on two more occasions to provide medical care and assist the second and third cassualities to covered positions. He then braved intense fire for a forth time, placing himself between the last of the wounded Marines and the enemy fire during the fifteen minutes required to administer first aid. With the supporting fire of helicopters on station and the concentrated fire of his platoon, Petty Officer Barber was able to remove the wounded Marine to the relative safety of the wooded area. He then skillfully rendered medical aid and comforted all four casualities, directing their movement to a medical evacuation helicopter for embarkation and extraction.

By his superb professional skill, outstanding valor, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger Petty Officer Barber inspired all who observed him and was instrumental in saving four lives. His daring initiative was in keeping with the highes traditions of the United States Naval Service.



 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Captain James Joseph Carroll

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Office of Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in action against North Vietnamese Army forces during Operation PRARIE in the Republic of Vietnam from 27 September to 5 October 1966. On 27 September as Company K moved through a thick jungle canopy toward Hill 400, the point platoon was hit hard by enemy automatic weapons fire, electrically detonated mines and booby traps, and the other platoons of the company came under intense mortar attack. Captain Carroll quickly seized a piece of high ground, and utilizing it for a temporary landing zone was able to evacuate his wounded quickly and establish a company defensive position from which he could attack the determined and well-fortified enemy bunkers that defended Hill 400. On 28 September, he called in close air support to within fifty meters of his front lines in an attempt to destroy the enemy positions that halted the Battalion for two days. Utilizing the shock action of bombs and napalm, Captain Carroll and seven of his Marines crawled to within hand-grenade range of the enemy. Aggressively and decisively launching the final assault and gaining a quick foothold on the hill, he employed the rest of his company to aid in securing the objective then under heavy counterattack from three sides. Despite a painful wound from an enemy mortar round, Captain Carroll continued to direct his men in the securing of the hill. On 5 October, while directing supporting fire from Company M, he was mortally wounded by an exploding shell fragment. His courageous fighting spirit, great personal valor, and unswerving devotion to duty served to inspire all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Second Lieutenant Kenneth L. Christy

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

For extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Commander, 3d Platoon, Company L, 3d Battalion 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 January 1968.

In the morning while conducting a search and destroy operation near the Demilitarized Zone, the Company came under a heavy volume of fire from a reinforced and well concealed North Vietnamese Army forece. As a result of devastating enemy fire, the point platoon received heavy casualties and was in imminent danger of being surrounded and destroyed. Although wounded, Secound Lieutenant Chritsy skillfully maneuvered his men forward through the fire-swept area to support the beleaguered platoon. Directed to recover the platoon's casualties, he unhesitatingly lead a squad forward across more than 100 meters of exposed terrain. Finding four seriously wounded Marines lying in an exposed position, Secound Lieutenant Christy shielded one of the wounded Marines with his own body while rendering first aid and directing their evacuation. Assuming command after the company commander had been severely wounded he directed the medical evacuation of the most seriously wounded and reorganized the Company position defending it until reinforced by another company.

By his outstanding leadership, unlimited courage, and upmost devotion to duty, Secound Lieutenant Christy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United Stated Naval Service.
For the President

John H. Dalton
Secretary of the Navy


 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Hospitalman Second Class James Dale Cruse

United States Navy

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

For extraordinary heroism in action on 15 June 1968 while serving as a corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic Of Vietnam. Hospitalman Cruse’s platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation near the Khe Sanh Combat base when the platoon suddenly came under intense automatic-weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army Force. During the initial moments of the fire fight, lead elements of the platoon were pinned down in an open area, and the two point men were seriously wounded. Disregarding his own safety, Hospitalman Cruse unhesitatingly advanced from his position of relative safety and maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to assist his injured comrades. Upon reaching the first casualty, he efficiently rendered medical aid and spoke words of comfort and encouragement before moving forward to the other Marine casualty who lay exposed to enemy fire. While treating and comforting the second wounded Marine, Hospitalman Cruse was himself mortally wounded. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross posthumously to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WILLIAM WALTER HESTER

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company I, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 1 July 1968, Company I's defensive perimeter near the Khe Sanh Combat Base was assaulted by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force, and after the Marines successfully repulsed the hostile attack, Private First Class HESTER's squad was assigned to search the area for any remaining enemy. Suddenly observing a small hostile group, one of the Marines immediately delivered a heavy volume of fire upon the enemy soldiers and exhausted his supply of ammunition. Reacting instantly, Private First Class HESTER fearlessly assaulted the hostile unit, killing a North Vietnamese soldier with his M-79 grenade launcher and preventing the remaining enemy from firing upon his defenseless comrade. Disregarding his own safety, he resolutely commenced reloading his weapon and was mortally wounded by hostile fire. Ignoring his painful injuries, he steadfastly remained in his dangerously exposed position and continued firing upon the enemy until he succumbed to his wounds. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of his fellow Marine. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class HESTER contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."

FOR THE PRESIDENT, H. W. BUSE, JR. LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC


 

 


THE SECRETRAY OF THE NAVY For The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS LAMONT D. HILL UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

CITATION: For extraordinary heroism as a Machine Gunner serving with the Weapons Platoon, Company "I", Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in Vietnam on 6 March 1967. While conducting acompany sweep near the village of Tan Lich in Quang Tri Province, Private First Class Hill was attached to the Third Platoon when it was subjected to heavy automatic weapons fire from a well entrenched enemy. In the initial burst of enemy fire, he was fatally wounded However, realizing the gravity of the situation, Private First Class Hill, disregarding his own serious and painfull wound, manned his machine gun and brought deadly, well aimed fire to bear on the enemy. Refusing medical treatment except when he stopped to reload his weapon, he provided covering fire so that his wounded comrades could be moved to defiladed positions of relative safety. Then he immediately shifted his weapon and began to provide a base of fire on the entrenched enemy which enabled two squads of the platoon to make a successful assault, killing twenty of the enemy. Private First Class Hill, succumbing to his wound, fell unconscious upon his machine gun. His heroic actions were responsible for saving the life of at least one marine and were instrumental in the defeat of the enemy with no further friendly casualties. Private First Class Hill's courageous actions, aggressive fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. For the President, Paul R. Jgnatius Secretary of the Navy


 

 

THE SECRETRAY OF THE NAVY For The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to HOSPITALMAN THIRD CLASS CHARLES HUGH CRAWFORD UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

For extraordinary heroism on 29 May 1967 while serving as a corpsman with Company " M ", Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, during Operation PRAIRIE IV against elements of the North Vietnamese Army in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. While attacking the heavily fortified enemy bunker complex on Hill 174, the lead elements of Company "M" were pinned down by a heavy volume of automatic-weapons fire delivered from well-prepared enemy positions, and sustained numerous Marine casualties in the initial stage of the battle. Despite the concentrated fire which made it virtually impossible to reach the wounded who were trapped only a few feet from the main enemy bunker, Petty Officer Crawdord immediately ran through the deadly hail of enemy fire to reach his injured comrades. After administering first aid to the most seriously wounded Marine, and while moving the casualty to a relatively safe area, Petty Officer Crawford himself was fatally wounded. Through his fearless courage and uncommon concern for his comrades, he inspired the other Marines, and undoubtedly saved the life of the wounded Marine he treated. Petty Officer Crawford's daring actions and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Corporal Dillard, Henry C.

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

Co. M, 3rd Bn., 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division Date of Action: May 29, 1967 Citation: The Navy Cross is awarded to Corporal Henry C. Dillard, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a 3.5 inch Rocket Gunner with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced) in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 May 1967. During Operation Prairie IV, in Quang Tri Province, Company M was assigned the mission of attacking a well camouflaged and heavily fortified enemy bunker complex defending Hill 174. The unseen enemy opened devastating automatic weapons fire on the advancing Marines, inflicting numerous casualties. As rifle fire was virtually ineffective against the enemy fortification, Corporal (then Private First Class) Dillard, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved his rocket launcher, through the devastating enemy fire, to the main point of the ensuing battle and although completely exposed to the intense fire, he single-handedly assaulted the enemy stronghold. Stopping momentarily, only ten meters in front of the enemy stronghold, he fired his rockets with deadly accuracy at the position. As the exploding rockets threw him to the ground, he quickly rallied and regained his position. Expending all his rocket rounds, he continued his daring one-man assault with hand grenades and rifle fire, silencing the enemy position and killing six enemy soldiers. By his aggressive fighting spirit and initiative, Corporal Dillard served to inspire all who observed him and contributed directly to the security of his company. His great personal valor reflected the highest credit upon himself and enhanced the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

First Lieutenant Kelley, Edwin C., Jr.

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

Co. M, 3rd Bn., 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division Date of Action: March 13, 1969 Citation: The Navy Cross is awarded to First Lieutenant Edwin C. Kelley, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer, Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 March 1969, First Lieutenant Kelley was directed to retake Landing Zone Sierra near the demilitarized zone which had been previously abandoned by friendly forces and was subsequently occupied by a North Vietnamese Army force entrenched in well-fortified bunker complexes. After personally leading a reconnaissance patrol to within 100 meters of the hostile emplacements without detection, First Lieutenant Kelley formulated his plan of attack and initiated an aggressive assault on the enemy positions. During the ensuing protracted engagement, First Lieutenant Kelley directed his company in the destruction of a series of four bunker complexes without the aid of air support and with only limited artillery fire. When monsoon weather precluded helicopter resupply, he instructed his Marines in the employment of captured North Vietnamese Army weapons and grenades for a final assault against the remaining hostile fortification, thereby enabling his company to seize the objective and establish defensive positions. During the night, the Marines were subjected to a series of probing assaults, which increased in intensity until the early morning hours when the enemy penetrated a sector of the perimeter. First Lieutenant Kelley fearlessly led a bold counterattack resulting in the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force. His heroic actions and aggressive leadership inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in defeating the tenacious hostile unit. By his courage, superb tactical skill, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, First Lieutenant Kelley contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Lance Corporal Leonard Koontz

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

Action: May 27, 1968 L/Cpl Koontz was serving as a rifleman for Mike Company Third Battalion Fourth Marines, 3rd Marine Division.

While on patrol, a North Vietnamese Army force entrenched in fortified bunkers pinned down Koontz's platoon with automatic weapons fire from a nearby hill crest. Koontz surrendered the radio he was carrying to a nearby Marine and crawled over the fire swept ground to a nearby enemy bunker. He destroyed it with a grenade and killed one solider., Kootnz then entered the bunker and killed another NVA solider.

Koontz spotted another bunker where the NVA soldiers were throwing gernades at fellow Marines. He charged the bunker and killed the enemy soliders with his gernades. Koontz then manned the enemy weapon in that bunker and delivered suppression fire against the enemy whose fire was interrupting the evacuation efforts of the wounded.

After the concussion of an NVA mortar round threw Koontz to the ground and dazed him, he left his firing position and went to the aid of two Marines exposed to enemy fire then assisted them to a covered area. Although his firing position was dangerously exposed to enemy fire, Koontz returned to it and resumed delivering suppression fire on the enemy until all of his fellow Marines were evacuated.

Koontz' actions enabled many wounded Marines to receive timely medical treatment thus helping numerous Marines to survive. For this aggressiveness, action, and selfless sacrifice to aid fellow Marines, Koontz was awared the Navy Cross.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

Hospital Corpsman Second William I. Mercer

United States Navy

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

For giving first aid to an injured Marine and shielding him from sniper fire. As senior Corpsman of Co M, Third Battalion Fourth Marines, June 15th, 1968 Mercer was with his unit when it came under heavy fire from a large North Vietnamese army force near Khe Sanh. Mercer assisted injured Marines to a covered area for treatment and ensured their movement to the battalion landing zone for medical evacuation. He moved to points of heaviest contact and maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to give aid to men who lay wounded in positions on the perimeter.
When the platoon was assigned to search the area forward of friendly positions, Mercer moved out with them. Soon the unit came under sniper fire. Seeing a wounded Marine, he moved from his covered position to the man by crossing a hazardous area. Once beside the Marine he shielded him with his own body, administered first aid and then carried him to a position of safety.
Mercer observed another wounded man lying in a dangerously open area and went to his aid. With bullets lading about him Mercer shielded the Marine from the fire and was administrating first aid when he was fatally wounded.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

Rodrigues, Joe G., Jr.

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Co. L, 3rd Bn., 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

Date of Action: February 22 - March 3, 1969 Citation: The Navy Cross is awarded to Sergeant Joe G. Rodrigues, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 22 February to 3 March 1969. On 26 February, while Company L was patrolling in support of Fire Base Pete north of the Rockpile in Quang Tri Province, Sergeant Rodrigues' platoon became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force and, during the ensuing fierce fire fights, sustained several casualties. Fearlessly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain, Sergeant Rodrigues directed the suppressive fire of his men and skillfully deployed them away from the hazardous area to rejoin the main body of the company. On the afternoon of 28 February his platoon commander was mortally wounded. Unhesitatingly assuming command, Sergeant Rodrigues completely disregarded his own safety as he moved about the hazardous area, reorganizing his men and restoring their confidence and effectiveness as an aggressive fighting unit. Maneuvering them to a more tenable position, he then established a night defensive perimeter. During the early morning hours of 3 March, his sector of the perimeter was breached by a North Vietnamese Army unit, accompanied by sappers, and in the initial moments of the vicious attack numerous Marines were seriously wounded. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Rodrigues ignored the hostile fire and rushed to the point of heaviest contact and, moving from one position to another, assisted the injured men to locations of relative safety. After repeatedly crossing the fire-swept terrain to aid the casualties, he observed two wounded Marines lying in positions dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and unhesitatingly placed himself between the injured men and the North Vietnamese Army soldiers and provided covering fire for his comrades. Although struck several times by small arms fire, he valiantly continued his determined efforts to protect his comrades until he succumbed to his wounds. By his inspiring courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Sergeant Rodrigues upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

Hospitalman Second Class, Rudd, Donald L. U.S. Navy

United States Navy

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

Date of Action: March 3, 1969
Co. L, 3rd Bn., 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Citation: The Navy Cross is awarded to Hospitalman Second Class Donald L. Rudd, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 3 March 1969 while serving as Senior Corpsman with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, Third Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, during combat operations against enemy forces north of Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. With his unit sustaining several casualties when a reinforced enemy squad penetrated the friendly lines and engaged the Marines throughout the perimeter, Petty Officer Rudd immediately went to the assistance of the injured Marines in the face of heavy hostile fire, administered lifesaving first aid, and removed the wounded to positions of relative safety. On several occasions, to insure the safety of his charges, he was forced to use protective fire, at close quarters, against the attackers. When he observed a seriously wounded Marine who was pinned down by enemy fire, Petty Officer Rudd rushed to the side of the victim and protected him with his own body while administering medical aid. In an attempt to silence the hostile fire, Petty Officer Rudd again picked up a weapon to deliver fire against the enemy position, still shielding his patient. While engaged in this action, he was fatally wounded by small-arms fire. By his great personal valor and self-sacrificing efforts, Petty Officer Rudd was directly responsible for saving the lives of at least five Marines. His inspiring and steadfast devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.


 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Corporal Ned E. Seath

United Marine Corps

 

for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 July 1966.

 

CITATION

 


“In support of Operation HASTINGS, Company K was positioned in the middle of an enemy infested jungle to establish a blocking position at a major enemy trail network. Shortly after landing, the Company encountered a reinforced enemy platoon in a well-organized defensive position. In a portion of the perimeter adjacent to Lance Corporal Seath, a machine gunner was wounded and his weapon disabled by enemy fire. Recognizing the importance of stopping the enemy, Lance Corporal Seath moved quickly through withering automatic weapons fire to extract the inoperative machine gun. Working in pitch darkness with only the occasional flickering illumination from aircraft dropped flares above and suffering a leg and hand wound from mortar fire, Lance Corporal Seath expertly crafted an operational M-60 machine gun from the pieces of two disabled weapons. Immediately and with devastating effects, he directed deadly, accurate fire at the onrushing enemy. Heedless of his painful wounds, as his field of fire in the prone position became partially obscured by enemy casualties, Lance Corporal Seath stood up, fully exposed to the enemy’s assault. By his bold leadership, undaunted courage and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Seath reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. “

 

 
 


The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

Captain Merlyn A.Sexton

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 


CITATION

For extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer, Company 1, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 19 June to 8 July 1968. Captain Sexton was assigned to defend a ridgeline overlooking National Route One approximately 2,000 meters southeast of the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Despite sporadic mortar and artillery attacks, he established a strong perimeter, developed a fire plan, and conducted offensive patrols throughout the surrounding area. On the night of 30 June, when his position came under attack by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force supported by rocket, artillery, and mortar fire, Captain Sexton quickly directed well coordinated supporting arms fire against the hostile positions and consolidated his perimeter. When the enemy penetrated a sector of the protective wire, he fearlessly moved to the point of heaviest contact, rallied his men, and directed their fire against the enemy. Disregarding his own safety, he skillfully adjusted highly accurate artillery fire around the perimeter, forcing the hostile force to break contact and withdraw. Throughout the night, Captain Sexton continued to direct supporting arms fire against the retreating enemy and, on the following morning, dispatched patrols to search out and destroy hidden hostile positions. During the day, he adjusted air strikes by helicopter gunships and fixed-wing aircraft against the enemy's withdrawal routes until assured that his vital Position was secure. His sustained heroism in the face of a numerically superior, determined North Vietnamese Army force inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to his unit accounting for 212 North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed and 77 weapons seized. By his courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Sexton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.



 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Daniel F. Sullivan, Jr.

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 11 April 1966, Corporal Sullivan and his team were assigned to set up an ambush outside the hamlet of Nam Pho Ha in Phu Loc District in conjunction with Operation GOLDEN FLEECE II. Several Viet Cong were allowed to proceed within five feet of the Marines’ machine gun before they were brought under fire. As two of the enemy fell in front of the machine gun, a grenade was thrown into Corporal Sullivan’s position. With complete disregard for his own life, he leaped on the grenade and covered it with his body. Rolling onto his back and still clutching the sputtering grenade to his body, he hurled it upward and away from the Marines. Before it touched the ground, the grenade exploded harmlessly about six feet in front of the position. His valiant effort doubtlessly saved his three comrades from death or severe injury. By his gallant concern for his fellow Marines in the face of almost certain death, Corporal Sullivan upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Second Lieutenant George Sullivan

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

For extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Commander, Company L, 3d Battalion 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division in Vietnam on March 17,1967 during Operation Prairie II. While on a search and clear mission in the vicinity of Dong Ha in the Quang Tri Province, Second Lieutenant Sullivan's platoon was approaching a suspected Viet Cong controlled village when it came under intense small arms and automatic weapon fire from a a well concealed enemy force of estimated battalion size. Afer skillfully employing his men in order to bring a heavy volume of fire on the enemy positions, Second Lieutenant Sullivan observed an enemy automatic weapon to his front and realizing the necessity of neutralizing the well-fortified position, he courageously moved across open fire swept terrain to within ten meters of the Viet Cong emplacemnet and silenced the enemy weapon with a grenade. After he directed a machine gun team into a forward position to deleiver suppressive fire at the enemy, he observed that the team's weapon had malfunctioned. Unhesitatingly he moved through concentrated enemy fire to the team's position and cleared the weapon. Meanwhile, another machine gun team had begun moving their weapon forward, but both Marines were wounded and fell in an area exposed to enemy fire. Courageously, Second Lieutenant Sullivan again disregarded the heavy enemy fire and unmindful of his own personal safety, moved to their position and carried them to a defiladed area, undoubtedly saving their lives. Later, while moving among his men, encouraging them and directing their fire, he was painfully wounded in his shoulder, arm and both legs. Although unable to move he continued to direct the actions of his platoon while requesting air support, medical evacuation for the wounded and resupply of ammunition, and only after reinforcements arrived, under the cover of darkness, did he allow himself to be evacuated. By his intrepid fighting spirit, selfless courage, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant sullivan reflected great credit upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.


 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Coporal Clinton W. Thompson

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

For extraordinary heroism on 13 and 14 March 1969 as a squad leader/Platoonsergeant in company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Divisionduring operations against an armed enemy eleven miles north of Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province,Republic of Vietnam.

When his platoon was pinned down by extremely intense hostile fire during anassult on a well entrenched enemy position consisting of reinforced bunkers,Corporal Thompson maneuvered through the barrage of hostile fire, located the exact positions of the enemy emplacements, and launched a single-handed assaulton the enemy bunkers, using fragmentation gernades to destroy the positions andutilizing the rest of the squad in providing an effective base of fire. Duringa period of over one-half hour, he made repeated trips down an exposed slope to replenish his supply of grenades. During his daring assault, he destroyed threeenemy bunkers, along with there occupants, following which the remainder ofhis platoon was able to maneuver around the enemy and secure the objective.

On the following day, when the enemy counterattacked the company's position,concentrating on Corporal Thompson's platoon and forcing his men to withdraw,Corporal Thompson assumed the billet of platoon sergeant when that leader waswounded, rallied his men and led the assault to recapture the position, followingthe removal of the wounded to a safe area. It was during this period that an enemybunker began to deliver fire on Corporal Thompson and his men, Once again, hepersonally assaulted the position with gernades, destrouing the bunker and threeoccupants. He then organized his platoon and instilled in his men the courageand aggressiveness needed to seize the objective and subsequently hold it undera heavy enemy counterattack.

Corporal Thompson's outstanding personal valor, leadership and dedication werein keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and theUnited Stated Naval Service.

 

 


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Private First Class Armand Rene Thouvenell

United States Marine Corps

 

for service as set forth in the following

 

CITATION

 

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced) in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 May, 1967. While engaged in Operation PRARIE IV, one fire team and one machine gun team were sent to reconnoiter two enemy bunkers. Almost immediately they became pinned down in a deadly machine gun crossfire from the two enemy positions. As casualties mounted, the machine gun ran low on ammunition, and the enemy was close enough to throw grenades into their position. Private First Class Thouvenell, a machine gun leader from a different squad, unhesitatingly collected nine hundred round of ammunition and ran to the beleagured unit. In order to accomplish this task, he had to run directly in front of the two bunkers, in the open and fully exposed to the enemy’s devastating fire. When the team was ordered to pull back, he stayed behind to give covering fire, enabling the other members of the team to return to safety. As he exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire to effectively cover their withdrawal, he was mortally wounded. By his daring initiative, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of insurmountable odds, Private First Class Thouvenell was responsible in great measure for saving many of his comrades and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corp and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.