The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Daniel G. Gonzales (MCSN: 2126237), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a 60-mm. mortar section leader with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 7 June 1969, Corporal Gonzales was stationed in Quang Nam Province at a company patrol base which was being defended by one platoon and his mortar section. Suddenly, the position was attacked by a determined North Vietnamese Army force utilizing automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades, which either killed or wounded all of the Marines in the western defensive sector except Corporal Gonzales. Realizing the need for drastic action to prevent the overrunning of the command group, he fearlessly left his covered emplacement, and armed only with a pistol, utilized the scant natural cover available as he assaulted the enemy. Repeatedly exposing himself to the intense hostile fire to accurately fire his pistol, he boldly ran forward alone, killing three enemy soldiers and forcing the remainder to retreat. He then continued to pursue the hostile soldiers by fire until other Marines came to his assistance. His heroic actions and determined efforts prevented the death of his injured companions and the capture of a 60-mm. mortar. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Gonzales upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.