The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Robert Gerald Fante (MCSN: 2175781), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a squad leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 August 1968, while participating in a search and clear operation south of the Thu Ben River during Operation MARMELUKE THRUST II, Corporal Fante’s platoon came under a heavy volume of small-arms fire from an estimated North Vietnamese Army company entrenched in a tree line. In the initial moments of the attack, Corporal Fante disregarded his own safety to pinpoint enemy positions and maneuver his men forward. When his squad became pinned down, he directed his grenadiers to fire into the tree line, effectively suppressing the hostile fire and enabling his men to advance. Subsequently pinpointing an enemy 75-mm. recoilless rifle position, Corporal Fante skillfully suppressed the fire with supporting arms, and then single-handed, he assaulted the hostile position, capturing the weapon and forcing the enemy soldiers to flee. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire, he continued maneuvering his Marines through the fortified positions, destroying bunkers with hand grenades and boldly pursuing the fleeing enemy. When one of his men was seriously wounded, Corporal Fante unhesitatingly moved to his side and provided security while the Corpsman treated the Marine’s wounds and evacuated him to a covered position. Alertly observing a camouflaged enemy bunker, he quickly attacked it with hand grenades, killing two North Vietnamese soldiers. As he was advancing across open terrain to attack another hostile fortification, Corporal Fante was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and saved numerous fellow Marines from possible death or serious injury. By his courage, superb leadership, and selfless devotion too duty, Corporal Fante upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.