Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Lance Corporal]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

    Action Date:

    September 11, 1968

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant [then Lance Corporal] Michael E. Gresham (MCSN: 2378513), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 11 September 1968, while occupying a defensive position in Quang Nam Province, Company D came under intense rocket and mortar fire, immediately followed by a heavy volume of grenades and satchel charges supporting a human wave assault by a North Vietnamese Army company. When the hostile attack was initiated, Sergeant Gresham was at the platoon command post, and when the building was struck by several rocket rounds, the platoon commander, platoon sergeant, and both other squad leaders were wounded seriously. Momentarily stunned, Sergeant Gresham recovered quickly and, realizing that he was the senior Marine remaining uninjured, unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon. With complete disregard for his own safety, he raced through the intense enemy fire, and moving from one position to another, shouted words of encouragement to his men and directed their fire, inflicting numerous losses on the advancing hostile soldiers. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting nearby, he moved throughout the fire-swept area redistributing ammunition and assisting injured men to covered positions. Assessing the situation, he concluded that the rapid expenditure of ammunition and number of casualties his platoon had sustained made his position untenable. Quickly repairing an inoperable radio, Sergeant Gresham appraised the company commander of the situation and, at his direction, skillfully redeployed his men to an alternate location. Obtaining ammunition and hand grenades from adjacent units, Sergeant Gresham rapidly distributed them to his men and, when the enemy force again attacked, he directed his platoon’s devastating fire and successfully repelled the hostile onslaught. His heroic and decisive action prevented the platoon from being overrun and saved the lives of several Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Gresham inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.