The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Jerry Eugene Lineberry (MCSN: 1993557), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 February 1970, during a platoon-sized patrol in the Que Son Mountains of Quang Nam Province, the Marines came under a heavy volume of small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements in a hedgerow to the front of the friendly unit. During the initial moments of the assault, the platoon sustained several casualties. Realizing the need for decisive action, Staff Sergeant Lineberry directed one of his fire teams to execute a movement to the enemy’s flank and initiate a counterattack. As the men moved across the open rice paddy, they were pinned down by a grenade launcher and automatic-weapons fire delivered from two different directions and sustained additional casualties. In a valiant effort to assist the beleaguered unit, Staff Sergeant Lineberry led a machine gun team across the fire-swept terrain. Although seriously wounded during this action, he shouted encouragement to the pinned-down men and directed other Marines as they evacuated the casualties. Despite his extreme pain, he refused to leave the hazardous area and, even after becoming a target for concentrated hostile fire, continued to direct his men and adjust supporting Marine artillery fire on enemy targets until he was mortally wounded. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force. By his courage, selfless actions, and unwavering devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Lineberry upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.