The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal John L. Oakley (MCSN: 2197948), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 August 1966. During Operation ALLEGHENY, Corporal Oakley’s platoon was assigned the mission of relieving a platoon that had become temporarily pinned down by a numerically superior communist force. As the point element of the platoon, his squad was brought under intense hostile fire from an estimated sixty Viet Cong, well hidden in the underbrush and trees. As the platoon advanced, enemy fire increased in intensity and was reinforced by volleys of grenades from the front and both flanks, all of which were concentrated on Corporal Oakley’s squad in the center of the formation. Suddenly, an automatic weapon opened up at point-blank range directly to his front, killing two Marines at his side. He nevertheless continued to advance in front of the platoon and assaulted the enemy position, firing his rifle at a dead run. Wounded and knocked down once by the heavy fire that was now converging on him, Corporal Oakley continued the assault, only to be wounded again by a hand grenade. Completely disregarding his wounds, he selflessly and heroically continued his single-handed effort until he had overrun the position and killed the defenders. As a result of his gallant conduct and disregard for his own safety, the momentum of the assault was maintained and the platoon was able successfully to relieve the pinned-down unit. By his initiative, inspiring leadership, and heroic devotion to duty, Corporal Oakley reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.