The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Radarman Second Class Terrence Jay Freund (NSN: 5406507), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on 26 October 1966 while serving with the United States River Patrol Force, near An Lac Thon Village, Republic of Vietnam. As forward machine gunner on board River Patrol Boat FORTY (PBR-40), River Section 511, River Squadron FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116), during a combat patrol on the Bassac River, Petty Officer Freund was instrumental in preventing an enemy battalion from crossing the river, and assisted in the dispersal of that force. By determined and accurate gunfire, he repeatedly suppressed enemy fire from the river banks during the hotly contested action. When an attempt to capture an enemy craft resulted in the recovery party being forced into the river by hostile fire, Petty Officer Freund’s covering fire was instrumental in their rescue. Although mortally wounded, he continued to fire into enemy positions so that his craft and other friendly forces could be extricated from their perilous positions close to the enemy. By his heroic conduct, he enabled his unit to retire from the action without further loss of life or damage. Petty Officer Freund’s performance distinguished him among his gallant comrades, contributed to a victory over the enemy, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.