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 DENNIS A. HEON

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

  CITATION:

"For heroic achievement while serving as a 60mm Mortar Section Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 27 December 1967, Corporal HEON's unit was occupying a defensive position in Quang Nam Province. Suddenly, the company came under intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire from an estimated force of twenty Viet Cong emplaced along an abandoned railroad embankment. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal HEON unhesitatingly moved from his covered position and, despite the hostile fire, ran to the mortar section's position. Immediately directing the adjustment of his 60mm mortars to a pre-planned concentration, he rapidly directed the delivery of accurate fire on the enemy force. His heroic and timely actions in the face of the extreme personal danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in forcing the enemy to break contact and flee in panic and confusion. By his courage, calm presence of mind and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal HEON upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

Corporal HEON is authorized to wear the Combat "V".

FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NAYV,

V. H. KRULAK

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC