Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospitalman Second Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

    Action Date:

    September 19, 1966

    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 Hospitalman Second Class Gollie Leo Grant (NSN: 6833808), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 19 September 1966 as a Corpsman with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. When the lead squad came under intense automatic-weapons and sniper fire from well-concealed enemy positions during the approach to Gia Binh Village in Quang Tri Province during Operation PRAIRIE, Hospitalman Grant unhesitatingly ran forward and moved approximately twenty-five yards through deadly enemy fire to aid the wounded. While moving toward the nearest wounded Marine, he himself was struck by small-arms fire. Ignoring his painful wound, he courageously continued his advance by crawling toward his wounded comrade. As he was applying a battle dressing to the man, Hospitalman Grant was wounded a second time by enemy fire. Continuing to administer first aid, he selflessly completed the treatment and directed the casualty to friendly lines. As he proceeded toward another injured Marine, Hospitalman Grant was mortally wounded by a third enemy round. His professional skill, great personal courage and inspiring devotion to duty at the risk of his own life undoubtedly saved the life of one Marine and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.