Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    July 16 – 17, 1953

    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 650

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Roy L. Stewart (MCSN: 1205796), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 16 – 17 July 1953. Participating as a member of a combat patrol operating three thousand yards forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Stewart was directly instrumental in saving the lives of at least eight fellow Marines. When the patrol sustained fifty percent casualties when ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force under cover of darkness at extremely close quarters, he repeatedly exposed himself to the hail of hostile fire to protect his fallen comrades and succeeded in repelling numerous attempts by the attackers to overrun the position. On one occasion during the fierce fire-fight, a live enemy grenade landed among the wounded. Without a moment’s hesitation, Private First Class Stewart retrieved the burning missile and hurled it back at the enemy. On a later occasion when the patrol was completely surrounded and he was the only man able to fire, he stood upright to draw the hostile fire from his comrades and personally killed five of the onrushing enemy before he was seriously wounded. Despite his wounds, he single-handedly kept the enemy at bay until the arrival of reinforcements. Private First Class Stewart’s dauntless determination, great personal valor and heroic fighting spirit in the face of almost prohibitive odds reflect the highest credit upon himself and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.