AJDUKOVICH, GEORGE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to George Ajdukovich, Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy,
for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations
against an opposing armed force while serving as Patrol Officer of two
river patrol boats of River Patrol Flotilla FIVE, Task Force ONE
HUNDRED SIXTEEN (TF-116), River Assault Division, in a night
waterborne guard post on the Muo Hai Canal, Republic of Vietnam, on 7
October 1969. When an enemy grenade was thrown from the bank of the
canal and landed on the craft in which Chief Petty Officer Ajdukovich
was embarked, he immediately seized the grenade and clasped it to his
body in an attempt to protect the lives of his fellow crewmen. Seconds
later, when the deadly missile failed to explode, he hurled it into
the canal where it detonated underwater almost instantly. With his two
patrol boats now under a heavy concentration of automatic-weapons fire
from four enemy positions on the river bank, Chief Petty Officer
Ajdukovich requested air support and immediately directed a
devastating barrage of suppressive fire while leading his units clear
of the kill zone. Unable to make any further firing runs on the
entrenched enemy force when one of the patrol boats became disabled,
Chief Petty Officer Ajdukovich's patrol illuminated and mortared the
hostile area until air cover arrived on the scene, and then continued
illumination of the target area to help maximize the effects of the
air strike. By his valiant fighting spirit, inspiring leadership, and
selfless devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer Ajdukovich was greatly
instrumental in leading his patrol to safety without sustaining a
single personnel casualty. His heroic initiative was in keeping with
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
ALSPAUGH, TIMOTHY D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Timothy D. Alspaugh, Seaman, U.S. Navy, for
extraordinary heroism during operations against an armed enemy in the
Republic of Vietnam on 25 September 1969. Seaman Alspaugh was the
after fifty-caliber machine gunner aboard River Patrol Boat 677, River
Division 521, River Patrol Flotilla FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116),
which had inserted in a night waterborne guard post on the north bank
of the Cai Lon River in support of interdiction operations in Kien
Giang Province. His boat was acting as cover boat and had taken a
position about fifty yards astern of the patrol's lead boat, with its
starboard side to a heavy growth of nipa palm along the river bank.
Shortly past midnight, after several hours of waiting quietly in the
darkness to detect enemy movement on the water, Seaman Alspaugh
observed what he believed to be a sampan on the river upstream from
his boat. Alerting his Boat Captain and bringing his machine gun to
bear over the port quarter, he was concentrating on the barely visible
craft when he was struck on his left side by an object which he
instinctively recognized as a grenade thrown from the underbrush. He
immediately shouted a warning to his fellow crewmembers, at the same
time bending down to search for the grenade, which had come to rest on
the pump covers on the far side of his gun mount. Despite the extreme
darkness and the imminent danger of an explosion, Seaman Alspaugh
succeeded in locating the grenade and quickly threw it back into the
small clearing from which it had been thrown. Even before the grenade
exploded near the enemy's position, he was firing, his fifty-caliber
machine gun into the brush, continuing until the boats were clear of
the area. Because of Seaman Alspaugh's quick reaction and disregard
for his own personal safety, the patrol escaped without casualty. His
extraordinary courage and selfless devotion to duty reflected great
credit upon himself and were in keeping with the finest traditions of
the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*ASHBY, JAMES WESLEY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to James Wesley Ashby (9140268), Hospitalman
Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 1 June 1967 while
serving as a Corpsman with Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines,
THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the
Republic of Vietnam. During a search and destroy operation, Petty
Officer Ashby's company came under intense fire from a large, North
Vietnamese Army force deeply entrenched in a cleverly-concealed and
heavily defended bunker complex, and suffered heavy casualties during
the first few minutes of the fierce battle. Responding immediately,
Petty Officer Ashby dashed from his position of relative safety and,
seemingly impervious to the murderous hostile, automatic-weapons fire
sweeping the area, moved through the open terrain, treating and
encouraging the wounded. Completely aware of the grave danger involved
in remaining in a position exposed to the withering enemy fire, he
staunchly refused to seek cover while there were wounded Marines in
need of assistance, placing the welfare of his wounded comrades above
his own personal safety. As he knelt over a seriously wounded Marine,
shielding the Marine with his own body while administering lifesaving
first aid, Petty Officer Ashby was mortally wounded by enemy sniper
fire. By his inspiring courage in the face of great personal danger,
his deep compassion for his comrades-in-arms, his outstanding
professional ability, and his unfaltering devotion to duty, he
succeeded in saving the lives of many Marines and upheld the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Park Rapids, Minnesota
BACK, JAMES BERNARD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to James Bernard Back (715747), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
(Reserve), for extraordinary heroism on 28 February 1968 while serving
as the Regimental Surgeon with the First Marines, FIRST Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with
operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam.
When a Marine was admitted to the regimental aid station suffering
from serious wounds sustained when his tracked vehicle came under
intense B-40 rocket fire, Lieutenant Back, upon treating the casualty,
alertly observed a large, cylindrical, foreign object imbedded in the
casualty's lower right side. Unable to identify the object, he
requested assistance and was informed the projectile appeared to be an
M-79 grenade. Fully aware of the dangers involved, Lieutenant Back
operated and found a colored metal cylinder. He resolutely proceeded
with the delicate operation without the aid of body armor and despite
the danger of the device exploding upon the slightest movement.
Displaying extraordinary courage and exceptional professional
competence, Lieutenant Back continued his task until he had completely
freed the object and carried it outside for disposal. Upon closer
examination, it was revealed that the wound had been caused by the
fuse of a B-40 rocket, an extremely sensitive and highly explosive
device. By his bold initiative, outstanding professional skill, and
selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lieutenant Back
upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
BAKER, HAROLD L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Harold L. Baker, Radioman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for
extraordinary heroism in action on the night of 20 December 1970 while
serving as the rear security for a five-man Sea-Air-Land Team ONE
(SEAL-1) patrol on an interdiction mission deep within enemy territory
in the Republic of Vietnam. Immediately after inserting ashore, the
patrol came under withering enemy fire from automatic weapons,
grenades, and rockets, mortally wounding the patrol leader and the
automatic weapons man, and critically wounding the patrol's radioman
and Vietnamese guide. Although he was not wounded, Petty Officer Baker
found himself in the river waters struggling to keep his head above
the surface. Through sheer determination, he pulled himself and the
body of a fallen comrade onto the bank and then returned a heavy
volume of automatic weapons fire toward the enemy in an effort to
stave off an assault on the squad's position. Subsequently, Petty
Officer Baker administered lifesaving first aid to the two wounded
members of the patrol and directed the recovery of the bodies of the
patrol leader and the automatic weapons man. By his great personal
valor and fighting spirit in the face of heavy enemy fire, he upheld
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
BARATKO, ROBERT EDWARD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Robert Edward Baratko (741174), Lieutenant, Junior
Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism on 15 September
1970 while serving as the Aircraft Commander of an attack helicopter,
attached to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE (HAL(L)-3), Task
Force 116 (TF-116), during operations against enemy forces in the
Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant (j.g.) Baratko participated in a
mission to provide cover for a medical evacuation helicopter which had
previously attempted to evacuate several seriously wounded personnel
in the face of intense enemy fire. As his plane and three others
entered the evacuation area, the surrounding tree lines erupted with
intense fire which downed two aircraft and seriously damaged a third.
Lieutenant (j.g.) Baratko's aircraft sustained several critical hits,
including one through the fuel tank. With the only flyable attack
helicopter on the scene, he provided gun- ship coverage while the
medical evacuation helicopter eventually succeeded in rescuing the
downed crews. As he was flying this coverage, Lieutenant (j.g.)
Baratko's plane was again subjected to heavy fire and sustained
several more hits. After the medical evacuation helicopter departed
the area, Lieutenant (j.g.) Baratko flew to a nearby landing strip
with his fuel supply practically exhausted. By his perseverance and
great personal valor in the face of almost overwhelming odds, he was
directly instrumental in saving the lives of several of his shipmates.
His selfless and determined efforts were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
BARBER,
WILLIAM B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to William B. Barber, Hospitalman Third Class [then
Hospitalman], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism on 25
November 1968 while serving as a Corpsman with Company I, Third
Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet
Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against enemy
aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the afternoon
hours, Petty Officer Barber was accompanying a platoon engaged in
patrol activities in Quang Tri Province. While crossing an abandoned
landing zone, the unit was attacked by a well-entrenched North
Vietnamese army force employing command-detonated 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 casualties were lying dangerously exposed to
hostile fire, Petty Officer Barber disregarded his own safety to reach
one of the fallen men. After administering 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 casualties to covered positions. He then braved the
intense fire for a fourth 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 casualties, 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 highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*BENOIT,
FRANCIS ARTHUR
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Francis Arthur Benoit (9140346), Hospitalman
Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 16 March 1967
while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of
Vietnam. While returning to the Company Command Post from a night
platoon patrol base, Petty Officer Benoit's platoon was suddenly
attacked by an enemy force employing small arms, automatic weapons,
and hand grenades. Observing several wounded men, Petty Officer Benoit
rushed forward into the intense enemy fire to administer medical aid,
but was wounded, himself, by a hand grenade before reaching the
casualties. Stunned and temporarily unable to move, he waited for the
wounded to be brought to him, and then quickly and competently
rendered medical assistance while exposed to enemy fire. After the
attack had subsided and the wounded had been put aboard an evacuation
helicopter, he refused to be evacuated and thus leave the platoon
without a Corpsman. When the second helicopter came in, the landing
zone was hit by enemy mortar fire, inflicting additional casualties.
Petty Officer Benoit again stayed behind to treat the wounded. He was
helping the last wounded man into the third helicopter, before
boarding himself, when he was fatally wounded by an enemy mortar
round. By his technical skill, courage and inspiring devotion to duty,
Petty Officer Benoit undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his fallen
comrades. His heroic actions were in the highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Red Lake Falls, Minnesota
BLONSKI, THOMAS JOSEPH JOHN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Thomas Joseph John Blonski (731168), Lieutenant, U.S.
Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism on 10 May 1972 as a Naval
Flight Officer of jet aircraft in Fighter Squadron NINETY-SIX (VF-96),
embarked in U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64), during a major air wing
strike against an enemy rail yard in North Vietnam. As the radar
intercept officer in the lead aircraft of a section carrying out
target combat air patrol, Lieutenant Blonski maintained visual contact
with a format on of approximately sixteen enemy fighter aircraft and
warned the retiring strike force of the oncoming threat. In the face
of the overwhelming enemy odds, he aided his pilot in engaging the
numerically superior aircraft and in pressing home several hard-fought
attacks which resulted in the destruction of two enemy planes and the
dispersion of the remaining aircraft out of range of the strike force.
Lieutenant Blonski's professional skill, courage and dedication
reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval
Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
BRAUN, KENNETH R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Kenneth R. Braun (9188839), Hospital Corpsman Third
Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Corpsman, Command
Group, India Company, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in connection with
combat operations against North Vietnamese regular forces in the
Republic of Vietnam on 30 and 31 March 1967. while on a battalion
level sweep in the vicinity of Hill 70, Quang Tri Province, India
Company came in contact with an estimated battalion of enemy soldiers
supported by mortar and rocket fire. The command group was immediately
under heavy automatic fire and ground attack, suffering numerous
casualties. In close combat conditions, Petty Officer Braun, although
having received serious shrapnel wounds from the initial firefight,
quickly began administering medical aid to those around him. Seeing
that their current position was untenable and as casualties mounted,
the order was given to pull back. Realizing that many wounded Marines
were forward of his position, and disregarding his own safety and
wounds, Petty Officer Braun moved throughout the fire swept area,
treating the wounded and exposing himself to enemy fire. Time and
again, he dragged the wounded across open terrain, shielding them from
fire with his body while pulling them to safety. Trading his pistol
for a rifle, Petty Officer Braun fought his way back down the hill to
where Marines were pinned down and suffering heavy casualties; moving
from Marine to Marine, with total disregard for his own safety, he
fearlessly and skillfully administered medical aid to the wounded
while simultaneously engaging the enemy. With enemy forces in
position, Petty Officer Braun did not withdraw, but continued to treat
the wounded and though armed with a malfunctioning weapon was able to
kill two enemy soldiers while protecting his Marines. Maintaining the
tenuous position while assisting a seriously wounded officer, and with
enemy troops all around him, Petty Officer Braun held his position,
continued to treat the officer, and held off the enemy with his weapon
until shot three times. By his uncommon courage, valiant fighting
spirit, and selfless dedication to duty, Petty Officer Braun reflected
great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Eden Prairie, Minnesota
BULL, LYLE FRANKLIN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Lyle Franklin Bull (643704), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for
extraordinary heroism on 30 October 1967 as a Bombardier/Navigator in
Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-SIX (VA-196), embarked in U.S.S.
Constellation (CVA-64). Exercising exceptional professional skill and
sound judgment, Lieutenant Bull assisted in the planning and execution
of an extremely dangerous, single-plane, night, radar bombing attack
on the strategically located and heavily defended Hanoi railroad ferry
slip in North Vietnam. Although the entire Hanoi defensive effort was
concentrated upon his lone bomber, he flawlessly assisted his pilot in
navigating the aircraft to the target area and commencing an attack.
Seconds before bomb release, six enemy surface-to-air missiles were
observed to be tracking on his plane. Undaunted by this threat to his
personal safety, Lieutenant Bull assisted his pilot in taking swift
and effective action to avoid the missiles and complete the attack,
releasing all weapons in the target area with extreme accuracy. After
release, four more missiles were fired at his aircraft in addition to
the intense antiaircraft-artillery fire. In spite of this intense
enemy opposition, Lieutenant Bull completed his mission and was
directly responsible for dealing a significant blow to the North
Vietnamese logistics efforts. His indomitable perseverance and
conspicuous gallantry were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
BURNAND, ROBERT W., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Robert W. Burnand, Jr., Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve),
for extraordinary heroism in action from 12 through 16 October 1966
while serving in a detachment of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron
SIX (HS-6), temporarily embarked in U.S.S. INTREPID (CVS-11), flying
as Plane Commander of an armored search and rescue helicopter during a
series of related rescue missions in support of combat operations in
Southeast Asia. Lieutenant Burnand was vectored to an inland area of
North Vietnam on three separate search and rescue flights in valiant
attempts to rescue a downed Navy pilot. Although encountering severe
enemy ground fire, he persisted in his attempts to locate and rescue
the survivor. During the final search into the same area, he and his
crew demonstrated fearless bravery while under fire. An accompanying
helicopter was riddled by intense enemy automatic-weapons fire which
completely disabled one of its engines, forcing it to retire toward
the sea. Observing this action, and realizing that it was absolutely
mandatory that the operation continue in the same location, Lieutenant
Burnand and his crew decided to take a calculated risk and expose
themselves to enemy fire in a valiant attempt to thwart the North
Vietnamese and complete their mission. By executing skillful evasive
maneuvers and effectively directing accurate counterfire at the enemy,
he and his crew suppressed enemy resistance to such an extent that
they successfully completed their assigned mission. By his outstanding
courage, exceptional skill and fearless devotion to duty, Lieutenant
Burnand upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval
Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*BURNS, DEWEY RAY, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Dewey Ray Burns, Jr. (B716750), Hospitalman
Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 13 September 1969
as a Corpsman serving with the Combined Action Platoon 1-3-9, III
Marine Amphibious Force, during operations against the enemy in the
Republic of Vietnam. During a concentrated enemy attack upon the
village of An Phong in Quang Ngai Province, Petty Officer Burns, on
several occasions, charged across fire-swept terrain, rendered medical
aid to wounded civilians and defending soldiers and Marines, and
carried them to positions of safety. On one occasion, Petty Officer
Burns was directly responsible for saving the lives of his patients
when he defeated an enemy soldier in hand-to-hand combat. Observing
that the platoon's interpreter was wounded and had fallen in the
direct line of fire of enemy machine guns, Petty Officer Burns
directed nearby Marines to provide covering fire and raced to the side
of the casualty. Although he, himself, was seriously wounded while
treating the fallen interpreter, he resolutely continued his
lifesaving actions until he had stopped his patient's bleeding. He
then commenced leading his charge toward a location of relative
security, but was mortally wounded before he could attain his
objective. Petty Officer Burns' valiant and determined actions served
to inspire the other members of his platoon to heroic efforts,
resulting in the complete routing of the enemy. By his intrepid
fighting spirit, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty,
he succeeded in saving several lives, and upheld the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Sulphur Springs, Texas
BUSEY, JAMES BUCHANAN, IV
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to James Buchanan Busey, IV (586527), Commander [then
Lieutenant Commander], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 21
August 1967 as a pilot in Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE
(VA-163), embarked in U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34). During a combat
mission over North Vietnam, Commander Busey was the leader of a
section in a six-aircraft bombing element which attacked the Hanoi
thermal power plant in the face of the enemy's most sophisticated and
complex arsenal of air defense weapons. As he commenced his attack,
Commander Busey sustained antiaircraft hits to his aircraft. He
skillfully regained control of his aircraft and, although his plane
was severely damaged, renewed his attack, placing his weapon precisely
on target. Subsequent bomb damage assessment photography confirmed
that he inflicted heavy damage to his assigned portion of the thermal
power plant. Although still severely handicapped by his damaged
aircraft, Commander Busey evaded four surface-to-air missiles during
his egress from the target area. Then, through skillful airmanship, he
returned his crippled aircraft to the aircraft carrier. By his
tenacious aggressiveness, professionalism, and heroic actions in the
face of the enemy's massed and determined defenses, Commander Busey
upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*CAMERON, KENNETH ROBBINS (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth Robbins Cameron (568282410), Captain
[then Commander], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism as a Prisoner
of War in North Vietnam from 18 May 1967 to 4 October 1970. Under
constant pressure from the North Vietnamese in their attempt to gain
military information and propaganda material, Captain Cameron
experienced severe torture with ropes and by beatings and was kept in
solitary confinement. As they persisted in their hostile treatment of
him, he continued to resist by feigning sickness and refusing to eat
anything but a bare minimum of food. Through those means he was
successful in his attempt to keep himself unacceptable in appearance
to the North Vietnamese, thus discouraging them from forcing him to
meet visiting antiwar delegations for propaganda purposes. He
gallantly evaded exploitation by the North Vietnamese throughout his
lengthy confinement. By his exceptional courage, determination, and
resourcefulness in a most difficult line of resistance, he reflected
great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Berkeley, California
*CASEY,
ROBERT MICHAEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Michael Casey (B111377), Hospitalman
Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 16 May 1968 while
serving as a Corpsman with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh
Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in
connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of
Vietnam. During Operation ALLEN BROOK, Company G was moving through a
fortified village in Quang Nam Province to engage an estimated 200
North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Suddenly, the point elements came
under heavy enemy fire, sustaining numerous casualties. Petty Officer
Casey unhesitatingly moved forward under the intense hostile fire and
administered medical aid to one of the wounded Marines. Although
wounded himself, he disregarded his own injury as he proceeded to
another casualty to render medical treatment. Wounded again while
assisting his comrade, Petty Officer Casey steadfastly continued his
efforts and moved to the aid of still another casualty, receiving two
additional wounds while treating the Marine. When other Marines moved
forward to evacuate Petty Officer Casey, he adamantly refused to leave
the battle area, stating that he wanted to continue to treat the
wounded. After being evacuated to the rear by his companions, he
encouraged the casualties around him and provided instructions to
others in applying battle dressings. Upon hearing a wounded Marine
call for aid, Petty Officer Casey dauntlessly crawled to the man and,
while treating his injuries, was mortally wounded. By his unflagging
courage, selfless concern for the welfare of his comrades, and
unfaltering devotion to duty, Petty Officer Casey upheld the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Guttenberg, New Jersey
CLAY, RAYMOND D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Raymond D. Clay (2318817), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for
extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Corpsman, 1st Platoon, Company G,
Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced),
Fleet Marine Force, in the Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam on
24 September 1966. When a Marine from his platoon suffered a severe
head wound shortly after the company encountered a North Vietnamese
force estimated at regimental strength and employing intense mortar
and small-arms fire, Hospitalman Clay, without hesitation, crawled
approximately twenty meters through intense fire to aid the wounded
Marine. As he began to treat the wounded man, an enemy grenade
exploded about ten meters away. Although bleeding profusely from
wounds caused by flying shrapnel, Hospitalman Clay continued treating
the Marine until two more grenades landed near him, one falling so
close to his legs that he immediately kicked it into the bushes, while
the second grenade fell next to him and the wounded Marine.
Hospitalman Clay quickly threw himself between the grenade and his
patient and, in so doing, absorbed the shrapnel and shock with his own
body, saving the wounded Marine from further injury and possible
death. The force of this explosion hurled Hospitalman Clay into the
bushes, where yet another grenade exploded, increasing the number of
his wounds. He then laboriously and with great pain crawled to the
rear. Hospitalman Clay's exceptional spirit and fortitude greatly
increased the morale of the wounded Marines around him. His inspiring
and courageous actions in jeopardizing his own life in order that his
patient might live were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Atlanta, Georgia
COKER,
GEORGE THOMAS (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to George Thomas Coker (669409), Lieutenant Commander, U.S.
Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism during an extremely daring
escape from a solitary confinement cell while a Prisoner of War in
Hanoi, North Vietnam on 12 October 1967. During a period of
particularly harsh treatment, Lieutenant Commander Coker and another
prisoner executed an escape as a two-man team despite the high risk of
brutal reprisal or possible loss of life. That night, after opening
the cell door by removing door bolt brackets from inside the room, he
proceeded over the wall and through several blocks of housing to the
Domer Bridge. Walking under the bridge to the Red River's edge, he
swam downstream all night and at sunrise buried himself in a mud bank
in an effort to remain concealed. He was later discovered, recaptured,
severely beaten for many hours, and banished to solitary confinement
for two and a half years. His extraordinary courage, aggressiveness in
the face of the enemy, and dedication to his country reflected great
credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval
Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Born: July 14, 1943 at Amarillo, Texas
COMPTON, BRYAN WHITFIELD, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Bryan Whitfield Compton, Jr. (542886), Commander, U.S.
Navy, for extraordinary heroism as a pilot and as Commanding Officer
of Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (VA-163), embarked in
U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34), on 21 August 1967. As the strike leader of a
major coordinated air attack against the Hanoi Thermal Power Plant,
Hanoi, North Vietnam, Commander Compton, with precise navigation and
timing, led the strike group to the target area through an extremely
intense array of sophisticated enemy defenses, including at least
twenty-eight surface-to-air missiles and heavy, accurate antiaircraft
fire. Despite the continuing heavy enemy opposition in the target
area, Commander Compton skillfully maneuvered his strike forces and
led them in an attack which inflicted major damage upon the target.
During the attack, strike aircraft incurred extensive battle damage
from the heavy flak opposition. With complete disregard for his own
safety, Commander Compton remained in the vicinity of the target until
the damaged aircraft exited the area safely. In addition to assisting
the egressing strike pilots by calling evasive maneuvers necessary for
them to avoid surface-to-air missiles and heavy concentrations of
antiaircraft artillery fire, he succeeded in taking seventeen pictures
with a hand-held camera which provided immediate and invaluable damage
assessment of this most significant target. By his superb leadership,
outstanding courage and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of
extremely heavy enemy opposition, Commander Compton contributed
greatly to the success of a most hazardous mission and upheld the
highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
CONFER, MILTON W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Milton W. Confer, Engineman First Class, U.S. Navy, for
extraordinary heroism on 13 February 1970 while serving in the
Republic of Vietnam as an Advisor to the Patrol Officer in charge of
two Vietnamese River Patrol Boats which were escorting a re-supply
mission to advanced tactical support bases. The column included two
heavy logistics craft loaded with seven tons of ammunition and a fuel
barge with eight thousand gallons of fuel. Suddenly, both banks of the
narrow river erupted in a storm of enemy rocket and heavy machine gun
fire. With his patrol boat situated between the heaviest enemy firing
positions and the transports, Petty Officer Confer attempted to man
the after fifty-caliber machine gun but was knocked to the deck as the
first of several rockets hit his boat. He then manned the midships gun
and fired suppressive volleys into the enemy positions until his
ammunition was exploded. Subsequently, he again attempted to man the
after gun. This time he was wounded in the side by an enemy bullet,
but succeeded in firing the gun until he was obliged to direct his
boat alongside one of the logistics craft to rearm. While rearming,
his boat received numerous heavy machine gun hits which damaged both
engines and started a fire. Despite his painful wound, Petty Officer
Confer began another firing run on the heaviest of the enemy positions
as the boats finally neared the end of the kill zone. Only when he was
relieved by units scrambled to aid his beleaguered convoy did he
attend to his wound. By his great personal valor and dauntless
perseverance, Petty Officer Confer contributed in large measure to the
success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*CONNELL,
JAMES JOSEPH (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to James Joseph Connell (221245135), Lieutenant
Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism as a
Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 1968 to June 1969. Under
constant pressure from the North Vietnamese in their attempt to gain
military information and propaganda material, Lieutenant Commander
Connell experienced severe torture with ropes and was kept in almost
continuous solitary confinement. As they persisted in their hostile
treatment of him, he continued to resist by feigning facial muscle
spasms, incoherency of speech, and crippled arms with loss of feeling
in his fingers. The Vietnamese, convinced of his plight, applied shock
treatments in an attempt to improve his condition. However, he chose
not to indicate improvement for fear of further cruelty. Isolated in a
corner of the camp near a work area visited daily by other prisoners,
he established and maintained covert communications with changing
groups of POW's, thereby serving as a main point of exchange of
intelligence information. By his exceptional courage, determination,
and resourcefulness in this most difficult line of resistance, he
reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions
of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Wilmington, Delaware
CONNELLY, MATTHEW JOSEPH, III
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Matthew Joseph Connelly, III (703508), Lieutenant, U.S.
Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism on May 10 1972 as Pilot of a
jet aircraft in Fighter Squadron NINETY-SIX (VF-96), embarked in
U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64), during a major air-wing strike against
an enemy rail yard in North Vietnam. As the flight leader of a section
of aircraft on target combat air patrol, Lieutenant Connelly sighted a
formation of approximately sixteen enemy fighter aircraft threatening
the retiring strike force. Despite the overwhelming enemy odds, he
engaged the numerically superior aircraft, pressing home hard-fought
attacks which resulted in the destruction of two enemy planes and the
dispersion of the remaining aircraft out of range of the strike force.
Lieutenant Connelly's superb airmanship, courage and dedication
reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval
Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
COOK, CLARENCE LEROY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Clarence Leroy Cook (703267), Lieutenant, Junior Grade,
U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving as
Copilot of a search and rescue helicopter, attached to Helicopter
Combat Support Squadron SEVEN (HC-7), Detachment 104, embarked aboard
U.S.S. Preble (DLG-15) operating as a unit of the United States
Seventh Fleet, in connection with the rescue of two downed aviators in
North Vietnam on 19 June 1968. Providing exceptional support to the
Pilot of his aircraft throughout this daring night rescue mission
which was carried out despite extremely formidable enemy opposition,
Lieutenant Cook rendered invaluable assistance in locating and
maintaining references to the position of the survivors, and in
utilizing his machine gun to suppress hostile small arms and automatic
weapons fire which was directed at the rescue helicopter with growing
intensity during four difficult descents which culminated in the
successful rescue of the survivors. By his professional skill, prompt
actions, and great personal valor in the face of intense enemy fire,
Lieutenant Cook contributed in large measure to the success of this
rescue mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States
Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
COX, CHARLES JOHN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Charles John Cox (641594), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for
extraordinary heroism on the morning of 15 September 1968 while
serving with United States forces engaged in riverine assault
operations against communist aggressor forces in the Republic of
Vietnam. As Commander of River Assault Division 111, River Squadron 5,
Task Force 117 (TF-117), Lieutenant Cox was leading a column of
assault craft down the Ben Tre River in Kien Hoa Province when the
column was ambushed by a Viet Cong unit. After ordering return fire
from all weapons, Lieutenant Cox exposed himself to fierce enemy fire
while evaluating the tactical situation and marking beach sites for
his boats. Although painfully wounded at the outset by exploding
rocket fragments, he continued to issue orders and maintain tight
control over his division, landing embarked troops on both enemy
flanks. In order to insure the safe arrival of the medical aid boat to
attend to his numerous casualties, he ordered a monitor at the aid
boat's location to provide fire support, and then directed his boat
and another monitor back through the ambush. As the front and rear
units met in a hail of enemy fire, Lieutenant Cox ordered his two
monitors to reverse course and, while running the ambush for the third
time, led all four boats to a position of relative safety. He then
supervised the treatment or evacuation of his wounded before
submitting to much-needed attention for his own injuries. Because of
his rare tactical brilliance, the infantry units were landed at
optimal positions to assault the enemy from both flanks and inflict
serious damage while sustaining little themselves. During two
subsequent, intense engagements on 15 and 16 September 1968,
Lieutenant Cox led his men with the same high degree of courage and
competence. His exemplary performance of duty with consistent
disregard for his own safety or his painful wounds throughout two days
was instrumental in the success of an operation which inflicted
numerous enemy casualties. By his inspiring leadership, great personal
valor, and selfless devotion to duty, Lieutenant Cox upheld the
highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*CRAWFORD,
CHARLES HUGH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Charles Hugh Crawford (6874759), Hospitalman
Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 29 May 1967 while
serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines,
THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, 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 Crawford 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.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Batavia, Ohio
*CRUSE, JAMES DALE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to James Dale Cruse (1392506), Hospitalman, U.S.
Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on 15 June 1968 while
serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines,
THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, 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.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Paducah, Kentucky
CUNNINGHAM,
RANDALL HAROLD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Randall Harold Cunningham (722864), Lieutenant, U.S.
Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 10 May 1972 while serving as a
Pilot with Fighter Squadron NINETY- SIX (VF-96), embarked in U.S.S.
Constellation (CVA-64), during a major air-wing coordinated strike
against the strategic and heavily defended Hai Duong marshalling rail
yard joining the port of Haiphong to the industrial center of Hanoi in
North Vietnam. As leader of a section of F-4J flak-suppressor aircraft
assigned to protect the less maneuverable and heavily loaded attack
group, Lieutenant Cunningham positioned his unit between the retiring
strike force and a large formation of approximately sixteen enemy
aircraft attempting to intercept the bombers. Displaying extraordinary
courage and brilliant aerial skill, he inspired and motivated his
outnumbered shipmates in resisting several enemy assaults, and
personally accounted for three of the six enemy aircraft destroyed in
the fierce battle. Although his aircraft was struck by a
surface-to-air missile and later burst into flame, Lieutenant
Cunningham managed to barrel-roll his crippled fighter to the Tonkin
Gulf where he ejected and was picked up shortly by a rescue
helicopter. His great personal courage and invaluable contribution to
the success of an extremely important mission were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Born: December 8, 1941 at Los Angeles, California
Home Town: San Diego, California
DENGLER,
DIETER (POW)
DENTON,
JEREMIAH A. (POW)
ENSCH, JOHN CLYDE
*FITZGERALD,
WILLIAM CHARLES
*FORD, PATRICK OSBORNE
*GERRISH,
ALAN ROBERT
*GRANT,
GOLLIE LEO
JAMES,
ALAN C.
KINNARD,
DONEL C.
*LEAL,
ARMANDO GARZA, JR.
MARTIN,
CECIL H.
McDANIEL,
EUGENE BAKER (POW)
McKEOWN,
RONALD EUGENE
*ORLANDO,
SAMUEL GIZZI
ROBINSON,
DAVID BROOKS
SPEER,
PAUL HAROLD
*TAYLOR,
JESSE JUNIOR (MIA)
WALKER,
JAMES ROBERT
WESELESKEY,
ALLEN ELLIS
WILLIAMS,
JAMES ELLIOTT
ZINSER,
HARRY JACK
