The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the

NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

                               CORPORAL PHILIP L. ODOM

                    UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

    CITATION:

               "For meritorious service while serving as an Antitank Assault  Squad Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, First  Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat  operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from  3 February 1969 to 18 January 1970. Throughout this period,  Corporal Odom performed his duties in an exemplary and  highly professional manner. Participating in several major  combat operations, including Operations Pipestone Canyon  and Durham Peak, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his  courage and composure under fire. Particulary noteworthy  were his actions on 16 July 1969, when his unit came under  intense fire from a large enemy force while conducting a  search and destroy operation near DaNang. Reacting  instantly, Corporal Odom, with complete disregard for his own  safety, maneuvered to an advantageous position from which  he utilized his rocket launcher to deliver accurate fire which  was instrumental in forcing the enemy soldiers to retreat,  abandoning equipment and weapons. As a result of his  diligent and resourceful sfforts throughout his tour in the  Republic of Vietnam, the operational effectiveness of his unit  was greatly enhanced. By his diligence, superb  professionalism, and loyal devotion to duty, Corporal Odom  earned the respect of all who served with him and 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