Thomas Drew Brindley NC The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Thomas Drew Brindley (MCSN: 0‐101761), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty‐Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 January 1968. Lieutenant Brindley’s unit was maneuvering toward Hill 881, near Khe Sanh, when the lead elements suddenly came under intense small‐arms and automatic weapons fire and sustained several casualties. Reacting instantly, he directed a heavy volume of fire against the enemy and moved his second squad to the point of heaviest contact. Despite the tall elephant grass which restricted movement, he effectively deployed and controlled his men, while suppressing the hostile fire sufficiently to enable the casualties to be taken from the area. Quickly shifting his unit to the base of the hill, under covering fire, Lieutenant Brindley lead an aggressive assault against the opposing force which was entrenched in well‐fortified positions supported by .50 caliber machine gun emplacements. Ignoring the fire impacting around him, he continuously moved among his men, encouraging them, controlling the squads and directing his unit’s return fire. As the Marines reached the crest of the hill and overran the North Vietnamese positions, they again came under intense fire and suffered additional casualties. In an attempt to pinpoint the source of enemy fire, Lieutenant Brindley, while freely moving throughout the fire‐swept area, was struck by hostile fire and fell mortally wounded. By his inspiring leadership and unyielding devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.