The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Arthur G. McRae (MCSN: 2204285), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader in the Second Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, attached to the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 March 1967. Company F was conducting a search and destroy mission when suddenly the Second Platoon came under intense automatic-weapons and .50 caliber machine-gun fire from Viet Cong insurgents who were well concealed. Two Marines were instantly killed and four were seriously wounded in the initial eruption of fire. For over an hour, all attempts to relieve the beleaguered Marines proved futile as the enemy’s vicious fire continued with devastating effect. Corporal McRae had, for over an hour, expertly supervised the fire of his squad when suddenly, fully realizing the personal risks involved, he left his firing position and boldly raced 150 meters across the rice paddy to the aid of his fallen comrades. As he reached them, he immediately began to give them the sustaining support they so desperately needed. Courageously exhibiting outstanding professional skill, Corporal McRae aided a Corpsman in the treatment of the wounded and simultaneously formulated his plan to lead the men to friendly lines. When preparations were made, he aggressively began to lead the men to safety. Air strikes and artillery barrages attempted to silence the enemy but they continued to fire, vainly trying to destroy the Marines that Corporal McRae was deliberately and fearlessly leading. Displaying exceptional leadership, resourcefulness and great professional skill, he succeeded in leading all the Marines to safety. Realizing that some weapons and equipment had been left in the open, he again exposed himself to the enemy’s fire and returned into the rice paddy to gather equipment and weapons. By his outstanding courage, exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting spirit, in the face of almost certain death, Corporal McRae saved the lives of his comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.