The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Paul Frederick Cobb (MCSN: 0-103410), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 May 1968. During Operation ALLEN BROOK in Quang Nam Province, Lieutenant Cobb’s platoon was assigned the mission of reinforcing an adjacent unit which was heavily engaged with a well-entrenched enemy force and had sustained numerous casualties. Under intense fire, he led his men to a position behind the most heavily engaged element of the besieged company where he prepared to continue the attack against the enemy. In order that the pinned-down Marines could evacuate their casualties from the fire-swept area, he established a base of fire utilizing small arms and M-79 grenade launcher fire and began maneuvering his unit across the hazardous terrain. Forced to crawl forward toward the hostile emplacements due to a heavy volume of the enemy’s automatic weapons, machine gun, B-40 rocket and mortar fire, he ignored the fire striking all round him, as he shouted directions and encouragement to his men. As he approached to within 20 meters of the enemy’s positions, he was wounded by hostile fire, however, he aggressively led his men in hand-to-hand combat. While maneuvering forward with his men, he was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. His courageous leadership during the initial and ensuing assaults inspired his men to continue to advance and overwhelm the enemy to the point of defeat. By his bold determination and unwavering and selfless dedication to duty, Lieutenant Cobb upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.