The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal Ned E. Seath (MCSN: 2026608), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 July 1966. In support of Operation HASTINGS, Company K was positioned in the middle of an enemy infested jungle to establish a blocking position at a major enemy trail network. Shortly after landing, the Company encountered a reinforced enemy platoon in a well-organized, defensive position. In a portion of the perimeter adjacent to Lance Corporal Seath, a machine gunner was wounded and his weapon disabled by enemy fire. Recognizing the importance of stopping the enemy, Lance Corporal Seath moved quickly through withering automatic weapons fire to extract the inoperative machine gun. Working in pitch darkness with only the occasional flickering illumination from aircraft dropped flares above and suffering a leg and hand wound from mortar fire, Lance Corporal Seath expertly crafted an operational M-60 machine gun from the pieces of two disabled weapons. Immediately and with devastating effects, he directed deadly accurate fire at the onrushing enemy. Heedless of his painful wounds, as his field of fire in the prone position became partially obscured by enemy casualties, Lance Corporal Seath stood up fully exposed to the enemy as he continued the withering fire ultimately repelling the enemy’s assault. By his bold leadership, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Seath reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.