The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Third Class [then Hospitalman] Phil Isadore Valdez (NSN: 9997731), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on the morning of 29 January 1967, while serving with Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the vicinity of DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. As Corpsman with the Third Platoon, Petty Officer Valdez participated in a heli-lift with his platoon in support of Company H of the Second Battalion. Immediately upon landing, the platoon came under heavy enemy fire and sustained several wounded while maneuvering forward. Without hesitation, Petty Officer Valdez ran over seventy-five yards of open terrain, under constant enemy fire, to aid a fallen Marine. He then moved the wounded man to a safe area and, quickly and competently, rendered medical assistance. Again exposing himself to enemy fire, Petty Officer Valdez moved across approximately fifty yards of open ground to another Marine. While treating the second Marine, he positioned himself between the man and the hostile fire. It was at this time that Petty Officer Valdez was mortally wounded by enemy small-arms fire. Through his heroic actions and selfless devotion to duty, he was responsible for saving the lives of two Marines. His inspiring efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.