The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal Jarold O. Bryant (MCSN: 2061015), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader of the Third Squad, Third Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against communist insurgent forces in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam, during Operation TEXAS on 21 March 1966. When the third platoon came under a vicious enemy cross fire, Corporal Bryant’s squad was ordered to destroy an enemy stronghold on the right flank. While in the assault, his squad suffered numerous casualties including the squad leader. Unhesitatingly, Corporal Bryant moved from his position, coolly and courageously disregarding the intense fire, to assist four of the wounded to positions of safety. Displaying exceptional initiative and devotion to duty, he rallied to two remaining members and continued the assault by skillfully maneuvering through a barren rice paddy. Despite the predominant advantage of the enemy forces in numbers and prevailing positions, he single-handedly charged through the fury of hostile automatic weapons fire, overrunning the vital position by killing two of the enemy and causing the other to flee. Corporal Bryant’s daring exploits were a determining factor in the rapid seizure of the company objective and the saving of many lives. By his courageous actions, initiative, and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Corporal Bryant upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.