While on patrol during Operation Dewey Canyon, a North Vietnamese Army ambush attempted to push the Marines of 3rd squad, 3rd platoon from their position. While many Marines played a pivotal role in repelling the ambush, one Marine, Cpl. Daniel L. Heller, set himself apart with his heroic actions, leadership and valor.
Cpl. Heller repeatedly put himself in harm's way; not for his own glory but for the love he had for his brothers to his left and right. Despite being wounded in the initial attack, Heller rallied his Marines and maneuvered his squad into a flanking position to suppress the ambush. After employing his Marines, Heller pushed himself into an onslaught of enemy fire to rescue two gravely wounded Marines.
Once he rescued the injured Marines and moved them to an aid station, Heller denied medical care for his own wounds and then proceeded to single-handedly assault the enemy position, killing four, and pushing back the enemy ambush.
“I didn’t do it for a Navy Cross, hell I had never even heard of a Navy Cross,” said Heller while holding back tears during remarks to the audience. “I appreciate everyone here. It’s been a long - long winding road, but here I am. I just want to say how thankful I am, Semper Fi, and how ‘bout them Jarheads!”
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/479689/cpl-daniel-l-heller-receives-navy-cross-55-years-after-heroic-actions