The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Yale G. Allen (MCSN: 2406509), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 March 1969, Corporal Alien’s company initiated an assault against a North Vietnamese Army regiment occupying nine well-fortified bunkers on top of a hill near Ca Lu in Quang Tri Province. During the initial moments of the attack, the third platoon was pinned down by a heavy volume of machine-gun fire from one of the enemy fortifications. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Alien unhesitatingly left his relatively secure position on the opposite side of the hill and maneuvered up the steep slope. Although singled out by the enemy for concentrated fire, he skillfully utilized the scant available natural cover, attained his objective, and as he was throwing a hand grenade into a bunker he was knocked to the ground and seriously wounded by a barrage of mortar fire. After quickly regaining his footing, he climbed to the top of the emplacement and hurled another hand grenade inside. Completely exposing himself to the intense North Vietnamese fire, he then raced to the front of the fortification and sprayed the inside with rifle fire, thereby ensuring the destruction of the position and the death of the hostile soldiers occupying it. Ignoring his painful injuries, he rejoined his squad, and after steadfastly refusing medical attention, led his men in the final assault on the enemy force. His heroic and decisive actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the subsequent rout of the North Vietnamese Army unit. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Alien upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.