The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Carlos K. McAfee (MCSN: 0-67830), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Assistant Advisor to the Fifth Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Brigade in operations against the communist insurgents (Viet Cong) in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 June 1966. Captain McAfee was with the leading elements of the battalion when it became heavily engaged with a main force enemy unit. One rifle company and the Battalion Command Group were overwhelmed by an enemy assault, resulting in the deaths of the Battalion Commander, the Senior Battalion Advisor, the forward artillery observer, and many other Vietnamese officers and men. Captain McAfee, the only American remaining, was instrumental in reforming the shattered command and organizing the defense. He requested tactical air support, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, stationed himself under the direct fire of the enemy in order to direct and adjust air strikes and artillery fire. Despite continued enemy fire of automatic weapons, machine guns, mortars and grenades, Captain McAfee directed the medical evacuation helicopters into his area to receive wounded. He moved continually between the helicopter landing area and the defense perimeter, directing the medical evacuation and adjusting air strikes and artillery support. After three hours of intense fighting, reinforcements arrived and were led by Captain McAfee on a counterattack. Through his valiant efforts, he prevented the possible annihilation of a Marine battalion by a numerically superior enemy force, and his courageous direction of the medical evacuation undoubtedly saved many lives. Captain McAfee’s selfless devotion to duty, quick acceptance of responsibility, and great personal courage reflected credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.