THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington

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

STAFF SERGEANT JERRY E. LINEBERRY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations agains the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 February 1970, during a platoon-sized patrol in the Que Son Mountains of Quang Nam Province, the Marines came under a heavy volume of small-arms and automatic weapons fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiesr occupying well-concealed emplacements in a hedgerow to the front of the friendly unit. . During the initial moments of the assault, the platoon sustained several casualties. Realizing the need for decisive action, Staff Sergeant Lineberry directed on of his fire teams to execute a movement to the enemy's flank and initiate a counterattack. As the men moved across the open rice paddy, they were pinned down by a grenade launcher and automatic-weapons fire delivered from two different directions and sustained additional casualties. In a valient effort to assist the beleaguered unit, Staff Sergeant Lineberry led a machine-gun team across the fire-swept terrain. Although seriously wounded during this action, he shouted encouragement to the pinned-down men and directed other Marines as they evacuated the casualties. Despite his extreme pain, he refused to leave the hazardous area and, even after becoming the target of concentrated hostile fire, continued to direct his men and adjust supporting Marine artillery fire on the enemy targets until he was mortally wounded. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese force. By his courage, selfless actions, and unwavering devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Lineberry upheld the highest traditons 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