Tran Van Bay

Trần Văn Bảy was a Private First Class of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and is one of only two South Vietnamese, and the only South Vietnamese Army member, to receive the Navy Cross for actions on February 19, 1967 during the Vietnam War (the other being Nguyen Van Kiet).

Navy Cross citation
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross posthumously to             TRAN VAN BAY, PRIVATE FIRST CLASS

ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism in connection with operations against insurgent Communist (Viet Cong) forces while serving with the 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion, 51st Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Tran Van Bay heroically sacrificed his life to prevent serious injury or death to an American comrade. Situated with his unit along a road in Hieu Duc District, Quang Nam Province, Private First Class Tran and his fellow Vietnamese soldiers were taken under sudden intense rifle and automatic weapons fire from an unknown number of Viet Cong. The men of G Company, Second Battalion, 4th Marines, in pursuit of an assigned objective, were simultaneously moving along the road amidst the Vietnamese soldiers when their advance was halted by the same heavy fire. Taking immediate cover off the side of the road, Marines and friendly Vietnamese alike prepared to return the fire which was now sporadic. Private First Class Tran, in close proximity to Private First Class Samuel R. Vitello, U.S. Marine Corps, observed a "booby trap" which threatened the life of the Marine. Without hesitation and with utter disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Tran violently pushed the Marine from the path of the instrument of death which was instantly activated. In performing this selfless act, the dauntless Tran exposed himself to the full blast of the explosive. As a direct result of this intrepid action, Private First Class Vitello escaped with painful but minor wounds in contrast with the Vietnamese soldier who was mortally wounded. Private First Class Tran's devotion to duty and magnificent display of uncommon valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States and the Republic of Vietnam. He gallantly gave his life in the service of the Free World Military Forces.