The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Sergeant John J. Lord, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action in action against the enemy while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 July 1968. On that date, his company came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army battalion. When his platoon commander was seriously wounded in the initial moments of the attack, First Sergeant Lord unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and skillfully exposed himself to retrieve wounded comrades. When the company commander and senior enlisted leader were both seriously wounded, First Sergeant Lord assessed the tactical situation and assumed command of the company. Locating one of the only radios still operational, he began coordinating air support and turned the tide of the battle. Disregarding enemy rounds impacting around him, he demonstrated exceptional battlefield competence as he fearlessly deployed the company, expeditious.ly evacuated the wounded, and steadfastly maintained his position until reinforcements arrived. By his bold leadership, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, First Sergeant Lord reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.