Navy Commendation Medal
With Combat 'V' for Valor
Lance Corporal Dennis D. Leighton
CITATION:
"For heroic achievement while serving as a Squad Leader with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 21 April 1969, Lance Corporal Leighton's platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a fortified position and sustained several casualties. Rapidly assessing the situation, Lance Corporal Leighton boldly moved about the hazardous area as he shouted words of encouragement to his men and directed their fire upon the North Vietnamese bunkers. Disregarding his own safety, he unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire swept terrain to the side of a wounded Marine and fearlessly carried the man through the intense hostile fire to a covered position. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he resolutely delivered accurate fire against the enemy and, when his squad had nearly depleted its supply of ammunition, he repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he resupplied his men. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Leighton inspired all who observed him and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.