The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

NAVY CROSS MEDAL  to

 

STAFF SERGEANT TERRANCE L. MEIER

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

Co M, 3rd Battalion., 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division

 

Date Of Action: July 21, 1967

 

Citation:

 

For extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Sergeant of the Second Platoon, Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), in the vicinity of Ca Lu, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 July 1967. The Second Platoon was moving along Vietnamese National Route 9, investigating a suspected enemy ambush site, when it was ambushed four miles west of Ca Lu. As the enemy fire increased, the point squad became separated from the remainder of the platoon by 150 meters. The platoon commander was wounded during the early stages of the encounter leaving Staff Sergeant Meier, who was with the rear elements, in command. While awaiting reinforcements and calling in artillery support he tried to lead the rear elements forward to the separated lead squad and the wounded commander, but was unsuccessful. Completely exposed to enemy fire, he courageously continued his efforts. Repeatedly he was driven back because of insufficient fire power and the numerically superior enemy. When the reinforcements with mounted weapons arrived, Staff Sergeant Meier organized and led them to evacuate the wounded and supply ammunition to the fighting Marines. While covering the evacuation of the casualties, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire and taken from the battle area. By his dauntless courage, initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of his fellow Marines, Staff Sergeant Meier served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.