The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

NAVY CROSS MEDAL  to

 

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROBERT L. QUICK

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

Co K, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division

 

Date Of Action: February 7, 1968

 

Citation:

 

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced) in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 February 1968. While conducting a search and destroy operation south of Gio Linh, elements of Company K suddenly came under a heavy volume of fire from a numerically superior force. During the ensuing fire fight, Private Quick and four other men became temporarily separated from the remainder of the unit. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he immediately moved to a dangerously exposed portion of his unit's position to provide security for his companions. Almost immediately an enemy hand grenade landed in the midst of the men. Reacting instantly, Private Quick fearlessly picked up the grenade and hurled it away from his comrades. Mortally wounded by the resulting explosion, his heroic action prevented serious injury or death to the men. His sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades was an inspiration to all who observed him. By his superb display of courage, daring initiative and selfless dedication to duty, Private Quick upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.