The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Hospitalman Third Class Gerald M. Strode (NSN: B-809190), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 4 September 1967, while serving as a Corpsman with the First Platoon, Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against North Vietnamese Army forces in the Republic of Vietnam. At this time, Company B was engaged in Operation SWIFT in Quang Ngai Province, and came under heavy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire from an estimated regimental-sized North Vietnamese Army force. Without hesitation, Petty Officer Strode moved to the point of initial contact, undaunted by the heavy volume of fire, and began administering first aid to the casualties. In order to protect his wounded comrades, he utilized a pistol and hand grenades effectively in their defense. Although wounded, he then engaged in hand-to-hand combat until the enemy withdrew. Starting once again to treat the wounded, Petty Officer Strode carried his injured comrades to a protected area about seventy-five meters away. When he returned to the line, he worked continuously through the night with the casualties until he was relieved by the company Corpsman the next morning, caring for his own wounds and allowing himself to be evacuated only when all other casualties had been evacuated. By his swift actions, professional skill, and cool demeanor under fire, he inspired the men of his platoon and undoubtedly saved many lives, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.