The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Edward A. Claybin (MCSN: 2127649), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Cannoneer with Battery D, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 June 1966. When his battery came under a concentrated enemy mortar attack at 0010 on that date, Private First Class Claybin became a casualty almost immediately, receiving severe shrapnel wounds along the left side of his body. While he lay critically wounded, a hand grenade landed some distance from him in the gun pit. With complete disregard for his own personal safety he rolled and crawled until he covered the grenade with his own body in order to protect his fellow Marines from the expected blast. Although it failed to explode, Private First Class Claybin refused to move from the grenade until the other wounded were evacuated and the remaining members of his gun section were clear of danger. By his fearless action, he demonstrated his complete willingness to sacrifice his own life for his fellow Marines. Private First Class Claybin’s outstanding courage, daring initiative and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.