The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Charles T. Sexton (MCSN: 2461865), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Radio Operator with the Third Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 February 1970, Corporal Sexton was a member of a six-man reconnaissance team which was patrolling deep in the A Shau Valley when it came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from approximately fifty enemy soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements in the dense elephant grass. During the initial moments of the attack, three Marines were mortally wounded and two were seriously wounded. After a rapid assessment of the precarious situation, Corporal Sexton directed the fire of his two wounded companions and moved about the fire-swept area to collect hand grenades and ammunition from his fallen comrades. Utilizing his radio, he then reported the situation to his commanding officer and requested assistance. For the next several hours, while the enemy attempted to encircle and overrun his position, Corporal Sexton repeatedly adjusted helicopter and fixed-wing air strikes on the hostile unit, hurled hand grenades, shouted encouragement to his wounded companions, and simultaneously furnished a running commentary to his company commander until a reaction force arrived to lend support. His heroic and determined actions were an inspiration to all who served with him and undoubtedly saved his fellow Marines from further serious injury or even death. By his courage, superb leadership, and valiant devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Sexton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.