The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Michael A. Huggins (MCSN: 2470841), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 27 June 1969, Private First Class Huggins’ fire team, having secured a landing zone northwest of Fire Support Base Sierra in Quang Tri Province, was maneuvering up a hill when he observed a North Vietnamese Army squad in an ambush position. Reacting instantly, he skillfully deployed his men and initiated contact with the enemy. Although painfully wounded by the initial burst of hostile fire, Private First Class Huggins led his comrades in an assault against the enemy positions. Courageously moving throughout the fire-swept terrain, he shouted instructions and encouraged his men as he directed their fire at the enemy. When a hostile hand grenade landed between him and another Marine, Private First Class Huggins immediately picked up the grenade and threw it back at the enemy where it subsequently exploded. Relentlessly pursuing his objective, he continued his assault against the hostile bunkers, forcing the enemy to break contact. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Private First Class Huggins upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.