The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

NAVY CROSS MEDAL  to

 

LANCE CORPORAL RUSSELL VIEVEIROS ALMEIDA

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

Co C, 3rd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division

 

Date Of Action: December 20, 1965

 

Citation:

 

The Navy Cross is presented to Russell Viveiros Almeida, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company C, Third Engineer Battalion, Third Marine Division ( Reinforced ). Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 December 1965. Lance Corporal Almeida was part of a combat engineer element assigned to Company K , Third Battalion, Ninth Marines for anti-mine warfare and demolition support. While accompanying the Second Platoon, Company K through a hostile area in the vicinity of Duysen Son 2, Lance Corporal Almeida was called upon to neutralize an M-26 grenade booby trap device and to define a safe lane for passage of the infantry platoon. He fearlessly approached the booby trap device which was triggered when he was within a few feet of the grenade. Although Lance Corporal Almeida was aware that the grenade was armed and detonation was imminent, he, with total disregard for his own safety, turned toward the deadly device, stepping between it and his fellow Marines. As he reached for the grenade he was mortally wounded by its deadly explosion. His act of heroism and personal sacrifice saved several nearby Marines from certain injury and possible death. Lance Corporal Almeida's daring initiative, courageous actions and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.