THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington

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

CORPORAL BROCK I. THOMPSON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader, Second Squad, Third Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division [Reinforced], in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 October 1967. The Second Squad was acting as security for Bridge 11 on Highway 1, in Quang Nam Provice, when it came under an extremnely heavy barrage of grenades and withering small-arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force of estimated platoon size. Instantly maneuvering himself to a postition from where he could observe the enemy entering the perimeter, Corporal Thompson opened fire, mortally wounding one of the enemy. Learning that his Squad Leader was seriously wounded, he immediately took command of the situation and moved to consolidate the surviving members of the squad and to direct fire upon the enemy. As the enemy advanced, a grenade landed between Corporal Thompson and a member of his fire team. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Thompson unhesitatingly picked up the grenade, turned to place his body between the certain devestating blast and his fellow Marines, and attempted to throw the grenade. The grenade exploded critically wounding him. Despite his severe injury, he displayed magnificent determination and courage, and, refusing medical attention, he continued to direct and control the remaining members of the squad in organizing the successful defense of the position until additional friendly forces arrived. Onlyu after all other wounded members of the squad had been treated, did he allow himself to be cared for and evacuated. Corporal Thompson's courageous actions and inspiring leadership upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

Secretary of the Navy