The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John Robert Dawson (MCSN: 0-100987), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Forward Observer with Battery G, Third Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 October 1967. During Operation GRANITE, Second Lieutenant Dawson was attached to Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines during a search and destroy operation in Thua Thien Province. As the company was moving down a narrow jungle trail, it suddenly came under intense enemy fire from well-concealed North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces on three sides, sustaining immediate casualties, and was temporarily pinned down by the heavy volume of automatic weapons and small-arms fire and grenade attack. Although the enemy ambush continued with relentless intensity, Second Lieutenant Dawson completely disregarded his own safety as he dauntlessly moved from his position at the rear of the platoon to the side of the company commander in the foreground of the attack. After the two officers conferred to determine how artillery could best be deployed against the enemy, Second Lieutenant Dawson quickly called for and accurately adjusted supporting arms fire on the enemy positions. While he continued to direct artillery fire, the commanding officer was struck by an enemy round and fell to the ground, exposed to further injury or possible death on the open trail. Quickly obtaining a rifle, Second Lieutenant Dawson unhesitatingly positioned himself by the side of his wounded comrade, using his own body as a shield in an effort to protect him from the hostile fire. Exhibiting a sincere concern for the welfare of his companion and a determined fighting spirit, he courageously returned fire upon the enemy until he was mortally wounded. His heroic action at the risk of his own life was instrumental in saving the life of his fellow Marine and contributed significantly in repulsing the enemy force. By his intrepid fighting spirit, daring initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Dawson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.