The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Elpidio Allen Arquero (MCSN: 1694536), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Sergeant, First Platoon, Company B, Battalion Landing Team 1/3, Ninth Amphibious Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 May 1967. While participating in Operation BEAVER CAGE in Tinh, Quang Nam Province, Staff Sergeant Arquero’s platoon was lead unit in a company search and destroy operation, when heavy contact was made with two companies of Viet Cong and North Vietnamese regular forces. His flank security began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire and sustained several casualties. He immediately made his way to its position through the hail of enemy fire and courageously directed effective return fire. In order to provide much needed time for his platoon to deploy, he organized an assault element from the remaining members of his flank security. By this time the enemy fire power had increased in severity and effectiveness, yet he daringly continued to expose himself. Without concern for his own safety, he rallied his brave assault force and charged directly into the entrenched enemy positions. This action, which cost him his life, halted the advance of the enemy long enough to allow his platoon time to extract its wounded and withdraw to a defensible position. As a result of his heroic conduct and fearless devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Arquero undoubtedly saved the lives of many comrades, upholding the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.