The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant [then Corporal] Melvin M. Long (MCSN: 2226408), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Second Squad Leader, Third Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, during Operation UNION II, on 2 June 1967. While advancing toward a designated objective, Company F came under an intense volume of enemy mortar, recoilless rifle, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Due to its exposed position, the Third Platoon was temporarily pinned down. Sergeant Long was ordered to seize a critical piece of high ground in the tree line on the left flank. He moved his squad under intense enemy fire, across 200 meters of open, fire swept terrain into the tree line. With complete disregard for his own safety, he maneuvered his squad in an enveloping movement and assaulted the well-entrenched enemy position from the rear resulting in six enemy killed. Though painfully wounded, he led his men in overrunning the position and organized a hasty defense. From his newly won position, he observed another enemy machine gun position which was delivering accurate fire on the platoon. With complete disregard for his wounds and the intense enemy fire, he led another assault which resulted in two more enemy killed. He then organized a defensive position and defended their key terrain feature for three hours until the enemy finally withdrew. Upon learning of the enemy’s withdrawal, Sergeant Long led his men to a landing zone some 600 meters to the rear and supervised the evacuation of his wounded. By his outstanding courage, exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting spirit, Sergeant Long served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.