THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington

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

SECOND LIEUTANANT DUNCAN B. SLEIGH
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a platoon commander in Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 6 November, 1968. The company advanced in a sweep operation south of Hill 55 where it encountered a large North Vietnamese Army force and sustained heavy casualties at the first bitter engagement. The well entrenched enemy kept the company pinned down with rocket propelled grenades and heavy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire, making evacuation of the casualties a heavy chore. As the company pressed the attack, the wounded and dead were moved toward the rear where Second Lieutanant Sleigh was directing the establishment of a landing zone. Taking charge of the critical situation, Second Lieutanant Sleigh strategically deployed his men to return supressive fire at the same time maintained control of the evacuation. Two helicopter landings were attempted, and on the second effort a rockert propelled grenade landed near the wounded who were being treated. Observing the danger to the wounded, Second Lieutanant Sleigh crawled to one casualty and lay huddled over him as a shield when another rocket propelled grenade landed less than a meter away, instantly killing Second Lieutanant Sleigh. He thus absorbed most of the shock with his body, not only saving the life of one Marine, but also preventing injury to others near him. His valiant leadership and courageous fighting spirit inspired all the men of his company who observed his last brave act. Second Lieutanant Sleigh's heroism reflect 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,

Secretary of the Navy