Mike & H&S Companies 

Third Battalion, Fifth Marines

Veterans of the Vietnam War

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

CORPORAL STEVEN DAVID COTTRELL

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For heroic achievement while serving as a Radio Operator with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.  On the evening of 8 November 1967 during Operation Essex, Company M was conducting operations in Quang Nam Province when it suddenly came under heavy automatic weapons fire and mortar attack from a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army unit, scattering the company and mortally wounding the company tactical radio operator.  Quickly assessing the situation, Corporal COTTRELL displayed exceptional courage and composure as he exposed himself to hostile fire while running to the fallen man and while vainly attempting to save the Marine’s life.  When the radio operator succumbed from his serious wounds, Corporal COTTRELL immediately retrieved the radio and carried it to a covered position where he exhibited outstanding technical skill by operating both the company and battalion tactical nets.  Working calmly despite the continuous mortar barrage, he called all the scattered units until he had reestablished company communications.  When he had accurately established the location of the separated elements, Corporal COTTRELL skillfully advised each of its relative position and coordinated the movement of the units to form a consolidated company perimeter.  Although continually exposed to enemy fire in order to better observe and control the movements of the various elements of his company, he steadfastly monitored the radio net and urged strong and coordinated efforts to repulse the enemy.  His rapid analysis of the situation and his encouragement to isolated elements contributed materially to the morale of the men and their ability to repulse the North Vietnamese assault.  By his bold initiative, sound judgment and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal COTTRELL was instrumental in preventing the enemy from overrunning the Marines and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”

Corporal COTTRELL is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.

FOR THE Secretary of the Navy

V. H. KRULAK

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC