The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Robert Edward Monahon (MCSN: 2121721), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 May 1967. During Operation PRAIRIE IV in Quang Tri Province, Lance Corporal Monahon’s platoon was dispatched to reinforce a platoon heavily engaged with an estimated company size unit of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Approaching to within 100 meters of the besieged platoon, his unit came under heavy automatic, small arms and mortar fire which seriously wounded the point man. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, he ran more than thirty meters to the side of the wounded Marine and assisted him to safety. Upon returning to his position, he observed two wounded Marines lying in a path approximately seventy-five meters away. Although the enemy, in entrenched positions to the right of the path, was throwing satchel charges and grenades and delivering machine gun fire directly over the wounded men, Lance Corporal Monahon and a comrade volunteered to go to the aid of the men. Courageously moving forward, he dived for cover as he was hit by machine gun fire. Disregarding his painful wound, he continued forward, and upon reaching the wounded Marines’ position found that one man had succumbed to his wounds. After quickly rendering first aid to the other Marine, he, exhibiting exceptional courage and fortitude, picked up a machine gun, rose to one knee and accurately fired a heavy volume of concentrated fire on the enemy bunker, killing three North Vietnamese and silencing their machine gun. During the vicious exchange of fire, Lance Corporal Monahon was mortally wounded. By his dauntless courage, bold initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of his fellow Marines, Lance Corporal Monahon served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.