Private First Class Leonard L. NEWTON
United States Marine Corps

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION

"For  conspicuous  gallantry  and   intrepidity  in  action  while  serving  as  a Machine  Gunner  with  Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth  Marines, Third  Marine  Division  in connection  with operations against the  enemy in the  Republic  of Vietnam.   On 19  January  1968, Private  First  NEWTON's platoon  engaged a  North Vietnamese Army unit which  was occupying posi- tions on top of a hill.  In the ensuing  fire fight, the Marines sustained several casualties  and  were temporarily pinned down.  Unhesitatingly  moving  to  a forward  position,  Private First Class  NEWTON  commenced  to  direct  fire against  the  enemy.  Unable  to adjust  his fire because of the  high  grass, he repeatedly stood up and fired his weapon from the shoulder.  Suppressing the fire from at least  three enemy automatic weapons, he enabled  his platoon to recover  the wounded and  maneuver to more advantageous positions.  Disre- garding  his own safety, he continued  to stand in  the  tall grass and  provide covering fire for his companions until he was killed by the hostile fire.  By his indomitable courage, aggressive fighting spirit; and selfless devotion  to duty, Private First Class NEWTON  upheld  the  highest  traditions  of  the  United States Naval Service."