The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

NAVY CROSS MEDAL  to

 

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOESPH E. MUIR

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

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

 

Date Of Action: August 18 - 24, 1965

 

Citation:

 

For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division during Operation STARLITE in Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam, from 18 to 24 August 1965. With utter disregard for his own safety, Colonel Muir fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy fire while leading his battalion in assault against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces. Though fully cognizant of the danger, he repeatedly positioned himself in the midst of the violent action. Upon encountering strong enemy resistance, he joined the assault companies in front line positions to personally direct their advance, and succeeded in conquering two of the more strongly defended hostile areas, resulting in 215 confirmed enemy dead. Despite an almost complete lack of sleep for three days, his tireless application of professional principles provided a major contribution to the success of the Operation. Colonel Muir's valiant conduct, inspiring leadership, and courageous fighting spirit reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.