The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Roy Arthur Newton (NSN: 0-63336), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. STACK (DD-406), during a surface engagement with enemy Japanese forces at Vella Gulf, Solomon Islands, on the night of 6 – 7 August 1943. Participating in a well-timed and perfectly coordinated gun and torpedo attack, Commander Newton skillfully maneuvered for maximum fire power and struck boldly and with relentless determination, contributing materially to the success of our destroyer force in sinking a Japanese cruiser and three destroyers. His courageous and inspiring leadership which brought his ship and crew through this hazardous engagement without loss or damage reflects great credit upon Commander Newton, his command and the United States Naval Service.