The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Michael Edward Stewart (MCSN: 2135524), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as an Anti-tank Assaultman with the Second Platoon, Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, on 13 May 1967 in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. During a search and clear operation in the village of Phu An, Lance Corporal Stewart’s company came under heavy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire from a well entrenched North Vietnamese Regular force, estimated at company strength. At the outset, several Marines were killed and others wounded in an area affording them little or no cover from the deadly accurate fire which felled them. Realizing that these Marines could not return unassisted to safety, Lance Corporal Stewart unhesitatingly, with full knowledge of the hazards involved and of the great risk of his own life, left his relatively safe position and crawled alone over fifty meters through open area to were the wounded lay helpless. One man was shot in the face and could not see. With uncommon calmness and bravery and while constantly exposing himself to the withering fire which continued to deplete his company’s ranks, he calmed the man and guided him through the hail of bullets to safety. Again, ignoring the deadly accurate fire which had halted his company’s advance, he returned to the field where others lay wounded. While dragging a second casualty to the rear, the man was again wounded. Lance Corporal Stewart steadfastly refused to leave the twice wounded Marine. As he daringly continued through the enemy fire toward safety, he was mortally wounded. Through his valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of great personal risk, Lance Corporal Stewart saved one Marine from almost certain death and gave his own life helping another. His bold initiative, unswerving devotion to duty and courageous efforts inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.