The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Stephen Edward Austin (MCSN: 2127411), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 June 1968. While on a combat patrol approaching the village of Cu Ban 4, Corporal Austin’s platoon was taken under enemy fire from a nearby bunker immediately killing or wounding several Marines. Determined to silence the bunker and retrieve his fallen comrades, Corporal Austin convinced his platoon leader not to fall back and call in an air strike. Corporal Austin brilliantly maneuvered his squad to an area from which they could provide effective covering fire on the enemy bunker. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Austin single-handedly assaulted the bunker and destroyed it with a grenade. Although mortally wounded in the attack, he was successful in turning the tide of the engagement, which led to the complete elimination of the enemy within the village. Corporal Austin’s bold action, courage under fire, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.