RUDD-DONALD

Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Second Class Donald Lee Rudd (NSN: B-502831), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 3 March 1969 while serving as Senior Corpsman with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Fleet Marine Force, during combat operations against enemy forces north of Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. With his unit sustaining several casualties when a reinforced enemy squad penetrated the friendly lines and engaged the Marines throughout the perimeter, Petty Officer Rudd immediately went to the assistance of the injured Marines in the face of heavy hostile fire, administered lifesaving first aid, and removed the wounded to positions of relative safety. On several occasions, to insure the safety of his charges, he was forced to use protective fire, at close quarters, against the attackers. When he observed a seriously wounded Marine who was pinned down by enemy fire, Petty Officer Rudd rushed to the side of the victim and protected him with his own body while administering medical aid. In an attempt to silence the hostile fire, Petty Officer Rudd again picked up a weapon to deliver fire against the enemy position, still shielding his patient. While engaged in this action, he was fatally wounded by small-arms fire. By his great personal valor and self-sacrificing efforts, Petty Officer Rudd was directly responsible for saving the lives of at least five Marines. His inspiring and steadfast devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 3-Mar-69

Service: Navy

Rank: Hospitalman Second Class

Company: Corpsman (Attached), Company L

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret