The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal Dennis M. Sliby (MCSN: 2209054), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1968, during Operation HOUSTON, Corporal Sliby’s company deployed into defensive positions around several vital bridges in the Phu Bai area. Early the following morning, the company command post, located at the Troui River Bridge in Phu Loc District, came under a heavy mortar and rocket attack followed by a ground assault by two North Vietnamese army companies. Without hesitation, Corporal Sliby rallied his fire team and directed a heavy volume of accurate fire against the enemy. In the ensuing attack, he aggressively maneuvered his men from one position to another in an effort to seize a bunker which had been overrun by the enemy. As he was moving his team into a position to deliver fire into the emplacement, the enemy threw a grenade which landed among his men. With complete disregard for his own life, Corporal Sliby covered the grenade with his body, shielding his companions from the blast. Even though critically wounded, he shouted words of encouragement to his men and directed them into a secure position before crawling, unassisted, to the platoon command post for aid. His timely and selfless actions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of his men. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Sliby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.