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

                 LANCE CORPORAL STEVE M. BROTHERS

                      UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For outstanding achievement in the superior performance of his duties in the field of leadership achievement as set forth in the following

    CITATION:                  

                               H. W. BUSE, JR.

                  LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

     COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,

V

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

                                         "While serving as a squad leader with Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 24 May 1969 to 25 March 1970, Lance Corporal Brothers performed his duties in an exemplary manner.  Consistantly concerned for the combat rediness of his unit, he tirelessly trained his men and molded them into an effective fighting force capable of immediate response to rapidly changing combat situations and tactics.  Participating in several major combat operations, including Operations Durham Peak and Pipestone Canyon, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire as he skillfully directed the tactical deployment of his men during combat engagements against hostile forces.  On 14 September 1969, Lance Corporal Brothers' squad was conducting a patrol eight miles south of DaNang in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a hostile force occupying positions in a nearby treeline.  Exhibiting sound tactical judgement, Lance Corporal Brothers immediately deployed his men to more advantageous firing positions, directed the delivery of a heavy volume of fire at the enemy positions, and than led a bold assault against the hostile soldiers and forced them into a disorganized retreat.  Lance Corporal Brothers' leadership, professional competence, and steadfast devotion to duty in his instance as well as throughout his tour in the Republic of Vietnam reflect great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service."