LIEUTENANT COLONEL ANDREW D. DEBONA (then Captain) for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer, Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth-Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 September 1967. During a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Con Thien, Company M was providing flank security for the battalion, when the enemy commenced a heavy and accurate artillery, rocket, and mortar barrage, followed by an assault by an estimated North Vietnamese army regiment. The second and third platoons absorbed the brunt of the preliminary attack with their commanders and platoon sergeants becoming casualties during the action, quickly grasping the situation, Captain DeBona unhesitatingly, and with full knowledge of the risks involved, moved in among his men, rallying them to drive off the enemy assault. After supervising the evacuation of his wounded to a secure location to await medivac helicopters, he conducted an orderly withdrawal of his troops and casualties toward prepared positions while repulsing another enemy assault and concurrently organizing a defensive perimeter, he displayed a tremendous degree of composure and calm, inspiring his Marines by his presence of mind and outstanding courage. Shortly after dusk approximately 20 Marines became pinned down in a bomb crater 25 meters in front of the lines. Moving swiftly, Captain DeBona gathered a small reaction force and led it, under intense fire, to the bomb crater. Upon reaching the crater, he effectively organized his men into casualty bearers and a covering party. The volume of fire laid down by the covering party allowed the removal of all the casualties. Captain DeBona ordered his men to withdraw, remaining behind to cover the withdrawal. His bravery and determination throughout the bitter action were instrumental in driving back three waves of enemy assault and inspired all who observed him. By his intrepid fighting spirit, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain DeBona reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

LTC. DeBona, a life member, resides in Montana. He was the Legion of Valor National Commander 1992-1993.