The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Kenneth R. Braun (NSN: 9188839), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Corpsman, Command Group, India Company, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in connection with combat operations against North Vietnamese regular forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 and 31 March 1967. while on a battalion level sweep in the vicinity of Hill 70, Quang Tri Province, India Company came in contact with an estimated battalion of enemy soldiers supported by mortar and rocket fire. The command group was immediately under heavy automatic fire and ground attack, suffering numerous casualties. In close combat conditions, Petty Officer Braun, although having received serious shrapnel wounds from the initial firefight, quickly began administering medical aid to those around him. Seeing that their current position was untenable and as casualties mounted, the order was given to pull back. Realizing that many wounded Marines were forward of his position, and disregarding his own safety and wounds, Petty Officer Braun moved throughout the fire swept area, treating the wounded and exposing himself to enemy fire. Time and again, he dragged the wounded across open terrain, shielding them from fire with his body while pulling them to safety. Trading his pistol for a rifle, Petty Officer Braun fought his way back down the hill to where Marines were pinned down and suffering heavy casualties; moving from Marine to Marine, with total disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly and skillfully administered medical aid to the wounded while simultaneously engaging the enemy. With enemy forces in position, Petty Officer Braun did not withdraw, but continued to treat the wounded and though armed with a malfunctioning weapon was able to kill two enemy soldiers while protecting his Marines. Maintaining the tenuous position while assisting a seriously wounded officer, and with enemy troops all around him, Petty Officer Braun held his position, continued to treat the officer, and held off the enemy with his weapon until shot three times. By his uncommon courage, valiant fighting spirit, and selfless dedication to duty, Petty Officer Braun reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.