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The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the
NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to
SERGEANT JOHN SPORTSMAN UNITED STATES MARINE CORPSFor service as set forth in the following
CITATION: "For meritorious service while serving with the First Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 7 September 1969 to 25 August 1970. Throughout this period, Sergeant Sportsman performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as a Platoon Sergeant with Company F, Second Battalion, he participated in several major combat operations and repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire. Particularly noteworthy were his actions on 5 November 1969, when his platoon was assigned the mission to locate the site from which the enemy fired upon a Marine vehicle the previous day. Displaying exceptional initiative and leadership, Sergeant Sportsman skillfully directed his platoon in locating the ambush site and collected valuable intelligence information about the enemy's tactics in the Battalion's area of operation. Reasigned on 29 May 1970 as the Regimental Combat Operations Center Watch NONCOMMISHIONED Officer, he worked tirelessly and with meticulous attention to detail, expeditiously accomplishing all assigned tasks and consistently providing his unit with outstanding support. As a result of his diligent and resourceful efforts throughout his tour in the Republic of Vietnam, the operational effectiveness of his unit was greatly enhanced. By his initiative, superb professionalism, and loyal devotion to duty, Sergeant Sportsman earned the respect of all who served with him and upheld the finest tradition of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." 
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WILLIAM K. JONES
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
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