The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Frederick E. Stouffer (MCSN: 1093276), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Runner to Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces south of Koto-ri, Korea, on 8 December 1950. When his platoon was cut off from two friendly M-1 tanks spearheading an assault and forced to take cover under a blistering automatic weapons and machine-gun attack suddenly launched by an overwhelming hostile force deeply-entrenched on commanding ground, Private First Class Stouffer voluntarily charged through fifty yards of open fire-swept terrain and climbed to the top of the lead tank. Remaining in his exposed position as the concentrated hostile fire continued, he expertly directed a deadly barrage to neutralize the emplacements and enabled his platoon to advance and overwhelm the enemy. Although painfully wounded and bleeding profusely, Private First Class Stouffer refused to be evacuated and, when the enemy viciously counterattacked in force from the right flank, staunchly remained in his position to direct the tank’s effective fire until the attackers were repulsed and his unit’s objective attained. By his daring initiative, fortitude and gallant fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds, Private First Class Stouffer served as an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed to the success achieved by his unit. His valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.