For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 11 April 1966, Corporal Sullivan and his team were assigned to set up an ambush outside the hamlet of Nam Pho Ha in Phu Loc District in conjunction with Operation GOLDEN FLEECE II. Several Viet Cong were allowed to proceed within five feet of the Marines machine gun before they were brought under fire. As two of the enemy fell in front of the machine gun, a grenade was thrown into Corporal Sullivan’s position. With complete disregard for his own life, he leaped on the grenade and covered it with his body. Rolling onto his back and still clutching the sputtering grenade to his body, he hurled it upward and away from the Marines. Before it touched the ground, the grenade exploded harmlessly about six feet in front of the position. His valiant effort doubtlessly saved his three comrades from death or severe injury. By his gallant concern for his fellow Marines in the face of almost certain death, Corporal Sullivan upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.