The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Patrick J. Noon, Jr. (MCSN: 2016255), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Guide while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Thon Son Lam area, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 August 1966. At approximately 0200, Sergeant Noon volunteered, with other members of the Third Platoon, Company F, to relieve a platoon of Company B, which was trapped by enemy fire. Disregarding his own personal safety, he was one of the volunteers who descended into a natural bowl, three sides of which were controlled by the enemy, in a valiant effort to evacuate wounded Marines. Despite a barrage of enemy grenades, two wounded men were rescued. At 0600 the enemy attacked the Third Platoon from the front and left flank. The Platoon Commander was mortally wounded and the Platoon Sergeant was evacuated with severe wounds. Sergeant Noon took charge of the platoon and skillfully maneuvered it until the initiative was regained and the enemy beaten off. While going forward to recover the body of his Platoon Commander, he was hit by enemy fire, but disregarding his wound, he single-handedly brought the body back, then continued to direct supporting arms and encourage his men. Wounded a second time, he refused to be moved to the rear, and continued to direct the platoon until, weak from loss of blood, he was forced to turn the platoon over to the senior squad leader. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous initiative, Sergeant Noon contributed materially to breaking the enemy attack and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.