James Michael Aston

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James Michael Aston (2450092), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Mortar Ammunition Man in Company H, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 March 1969. Private First Class Aston was participating in a company- sized operation through thick brush and chest high elephant grass in Quang Nam Province when he tripped a hidden enemy explosive device. Fully aware of the probable consequences of his daring action but thinking only of the welfare of several nearby companions, he unhesitatingly threw himself across the lethal object and was mortally wounded as he absorbed the concussion of the detonation. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellow men and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Aston upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.