The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Carl R. Dittman (MCSN: 2344874), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a scout with the Intelligence Section of the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 November 1968, Corporal Dittman was accompanying Company A during a reconnaissance in force in the vicinity of Hill 461 in Quang Tri Province when the lead elements came under intense fire and were pinned down. In a forward position, Corporal Dittman alertly observed a North Vietnamese soldier throw a hand grenade toward him and, shouting a warning to his companions, reached cover as the grenade exploded. Then circling around the hill to where Marines were pinned down so close to the hostile bunker that the enemy could be heard talking, he gathered all the grenades he could carry and, advancing under fire, launched a single-handed assault against the entrenched North Vietnamese solders. Forced back by intense mortar and automatic weapons fire, Corporal Dittman waited until the attack subsided and advanced again in full view of the enemy and threw the remainder of his grenades against the stronghold in a fierce attempt to rout the hostile soldiers. Rejoining his companions, he aided the wounded until the unit was directed to withdraw to more advantageous positions. Although painfully wounded in the face and right arm, Corporal Dittman was attempting to carry a seriously injured Marine down the hill when the enemy concentrated a heavy volume of fire on him. Disregarding his own safety, he quickly placed his fallen comrade in a fighting hole and shielded him with his own body as mortar fire began impacting all around him. Refusing to seek cover and ignoring his own weakened condition, Corporal Dittman aided and comforted the injured man throughout the night. At daybreak, he skillfully attracted the attention of an aerial observer who directed a medical evacuation helicopter to the isolated hillside position to evacuate the two men. His heroic action and resolute determination in saving the life of a fellow Marine were an inspiration to all who served with him. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Dittman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.