Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

    Action Date:

    May 9, 1969

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal James Clinton Ward (MCSN: 2439597), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Weapons Squad Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 May 1969, Corporal Ward’s platoon was returning from a combat patrol when the lead element came under a heavy volume of hostile fire from a numerically superior force occupying well-concealed emplacements. Reacting instantly, Corporal Ward skillfully deployed his squad into effective fighting positions and directed counterfire on the enemy unit. Alertly observing that one of his fire teams had been pinned down in a dangerously exposed position and had sustained two serious casualties, he unhesitatingly mustered four companions and was boldly leading them across the fire-swept terrain when a grenade launcher round carried in the belt of a Marine maneuvering close beside him was detonated by enemy fire. Although partially blinded by the concussion of the grenade, Corporal Ward, concerned only for the safety of his injured comrades, resolutely continued his determined efforts to reach the fire team. With his light antitank assault weapon he quickly destroyed an enemy emplacement, which was the principal source of hostile fire, and reaching the side of one of his wounded men, he quickly administered first aid. After speaking words of encouragement to his comrade to restore his confidence, he moved through the hazardous area to the side of the second injured Marine. Unable to drag the casualty to a place of relative safety and undaunted by the closeness of enemy gun emplacements, Corporal Ward was boldly attempting to lift the wounded Marine onto his shoulders when he was mortally injured by enemy fire. By his courage, selfless concern for his comrades, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Ward upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.