THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington

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

HOSPITAL CORPSMAN JOHN C. PHILLIPS
UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism on 19 December 1968 while as a corpsman with Company "C", 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with operations against aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Shortly before noon, Hospitalman Phillip's unit was maneuvering to assist a friendly squad which was heavily engaged with a North Vietnamese Army platoon. As the Marines approached their beleaguered comrades, the Marine unit came under intense small-armsa and automatic-weapons fire from a tree line. Observing the point man fall seriously wounded, Hospitalman Phillips unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety and, exposing himself to the intense enemy fire, rushed across the hazardous terrain to the side of the injured Marine. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting about him, Hospitalman Phillips was skillfully treating the casualty's wounds when an enemy hand grenade landed in proximity to his patient. Completely disregarding his oum safety, Hospitalman Phillips reacted instantly and threw his body across that of the wounded Marine, sustaining serious injuries to himself while absorbing the concussion and fragmentation from the exploding grenade. He ingored his own painful injuries to resume treating his wounded comrade, and continued his determined lifesaving efforts until both men were removed to a covered area. Cognizant of the seriousness of his companion's wounds, Hospitalman Phillips steadfastly refused medical attention for himself until the remaining corpsman had first treated the casualty. Hospitalman Phillips' heroic and decisive astions served to inspire all who observed him and were highly instrumental in saving the life of the injured Marine. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Hospitalman Phillips upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

Secretary of the Navy