The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class John Richard Meuse (MCSN: 2249495), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Radio Operator with the First Squad, Second Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 3 May 1967. During the early morning hours Company E came under a heavy mortar barrage followed by an assault by a determined and well armed North Vietnamese force, overrunning their position and wounding Private First Class Meuse. When asked by his platoon commander for the situation, his radio transmissions indicated that he was severely wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to report the situation for more than an hour. This accurate information on the disposition and nature of the enemy forces enabled the company commander to make essential decisions on the employment of his maneuvering elements and the coordination of supporting arms necessary to repulse the enemy attack and to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. At about noon, when the area was recaptured, the body of Private First Class Meuse was found, his handset still in his hand and five enemy dead in front of his position. By his selfless refusal to leave his position when medical aid might have saved him, and by his skillful appraisal of the situation, he contributed materially to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.