Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lance Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    3d Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

    Action Date:

    April 2, 1966

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal Claude G. Lebas (MCSN: 2141933), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, at Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 April 1966. When his platoon came under heavy automatic-weapons and mortar fire, Corporal Lebas, sighting the enemy mortar position, withdrew to the rear and retrieved three assault weapons. Returning alone through an open area covered by heavy fire from two directions, he single-handedly destroyed the enemy mortar position just as it was adjusting fire on the company command group. Upon returning to his platoon, it was discovered that a machine gunner had been killed and that he and his weapon were one hundred meters forward of the secured position. Even though his platoon was assuming a reserve position, Corporal Lebas turned and, while shouting for covering fire, rushed out to retrieve the weapon. The enemy fire was so intense that his covering force was driven back to a more secure area. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Lebas grabbed the gun and returned to safety amid a hail of bullets. It was later learned that two enemy rounds were imbedded in his haversack, stopped only by the rations he was carrying. Corporal Lebas’ actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.