The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class William Castillo (MCSN: 2404648), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as an Ammunition Man with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 February 1969, Company E was occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base Russell, northwest of the Vandegrift Combat Base in Quang Tri Province. Suddenly, the Marines came under a vicious ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army sapper unit strongly supported by mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. During the initial moments of the attack, several men were trapped inside demolished bunkers and Private First Class Castillo worked feverishly to free the Marines. Then, diving into his gun pit, he commenced single-handedly firing his mortar at the invaders, and although blown from his emplacement on two occasions by the concussion of hostile rounds impacting nearby, resolutely continued his efforts until relieved by some of the men he had freed. Observing a bunker that was struck by enemy fire and was ejecting thick clouds of smoke, he investigated the interior, and discovering five men blinded by smoke and in a state of shock, led them all to safety. Maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain to the command post, he made repeated trips through the hazardous area to carry messages and directions from his commanding officer, then procured a machine gun and provided security for a landing zone until harassing hostile emplacements were destroyed. Steadfastly determined to be of assistance to his wounded comrades, he carried the casualties to waiting evacuation helicopters until he collapsed from exhaustion. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Private First Class Castillo contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.