THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington
The President of the United States, takes pride in presenting the
NAVY CROSS posthumously to:
PRIVATE JAMES M. TIMMONS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following:
CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Messenger with Company M, Second Platoon, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines,
First Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 November, 1968 Company
M was conducting a reconnaissance in force near Hill 55 in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under intense small arms,
automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a North Vietnamse Army regiment occupying fortified positions. Sighting
several Marines lying wounded in an area exposed to a heavy volume of fire, Private Timmons boldly traversed the fire-swept terrain
and assisted a wounded comrade to a position of relative safety. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly returned
to the hazardous area on two more occaisions and assisted injured companions to the designated landing zone. As the evacuation
helicopter attempted to land, the aircraft was forced from the zone by intense hostile machine-gun fire. On the second attempt, the
aircraft again drew a heavy volume of small arms and rocket-propelled gremade fire which impacted near the casualties. Reacting
instantly, Private Timmons courageously placed his body across that of a wounded Marine, shielding him from the North Vietnamese
fire. While engaged in this selfless task, Private Timmons was mortally wounded. His daring initative and sincere concern for the
welfare of his comrade saved the life of a fellow Marine and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his units mission. By
his courage, resolute determination, and unwavering devotion to duty, Private Timmons upheld the highest traditions of the Marine
Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
For the President,
Secretary of the Navy