The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the

NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

                     LANCE CORPORAL BRAD C. GARDNER

                    UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

    CITATION:

"For heroic achievement while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 10 July 1969, Lance Corporal Gardner's squad was assigned to provide security for retrograde Marine equipment that was left behind by Company E on Go Noi Island during Operation Pipestone Canyon. Although the other Marines had been evacuated from the area due to an impending typhoon, he remained behind with his men to await the helicopter which was coming to transport the equipment. As the aircraft arrived, Lance Corporal Gardner's squad suddenly came under intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire from all sides of the landing zone. A ware that the helicopter could not land in the fire-swept area, Lance Corporal Gardner unhesitatingly exposed himself to enemy fire as he requested and adjusted Marine artillery fire upon the hostile positions and simultaneously requested tactical air support. With the arrival of a UH-1E helicopter gunship, he skillfully directed the aircraft over the enemy targets, enabling the Marines to secure the landing zone. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in enabling his squad members to be extracted by helicopter without sustaining casualties. By his courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Gardner upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." 

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the Secretary of the Navy

H.W. BUSE, JR

Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

V

BRAD C. GARDNER