The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Ronald B. Helle (MCSN: 2146818), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while participating in a pacification operation in the vicinity of Combat Base Baldy with his unit which was located in a popular force compound in the Moo Bai District, Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 28 January 1971, Sergeant Helle, an Artillery Scout and Observer with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, was sitting in the command post and talking with other members of his unit and a newspaper correspondent. Stepping outside to make a routine check of the area, Sergeant Helle was struck on the back by an object which he quickly recognized to be a grenade. He then threw himself upon the missile and alerted everyone to take cover, following which he stood up and hurled the grenade out of the compound. By his prompt and courageous action in the face of almost certain death or serious injury to himself and other men in the vicinity, Sergeant Helle upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.