The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Leroy Brantley (MCSN: 2392215), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 March 1969. During a search and clear operation in Quang Nam Province, Company G’s lead platoon was entering the village of Phu Nhuan when it came under intense rocket and automatic weapons fire from a North Vietnamese Army company occupying well-fortified positions in the village and surrounding tree lines. Reacting instantly Corporal Brantley completely disregarded his own safety as he maneuvered his squad to defilade positions and skillfully directed the delivery of a heavy volume of return fire. Although seriously wounded while deploying his men, he ignored his own painful injury and repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he rallied his men and boldly led them in an assault against the enemy. Wounded a second time by North Vietnamese fire, Corporal Brantley refused medical attention as he valiantly remained with his men to sustain the momentum of the attack. Fearlessly directing the actions of his squad and exhorting them to greater efforts, he continued to brave the intense enemy fire while aggressively leading the advance toward the hostile emplacements until he was struck for the third time by hostile fire. Undaunted by the North Vietnamese rounds impacting near him and weakened by his serious injuries, Corporal Brantley resolutely continued to move his men and direct their actions and, as he boldly pushed through the tree line toward a suspected hostile emplacement, he was mortally wounded. His intrepid fighting spirit and daring initiative inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Brantley upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.