The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Hospital Corpsman Cletus H. Stone (NSN: 2480367), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Corpsman with a Marine Company, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 September 1951. When his unit was suddenly subjected to cross fire from two bunkers while he was advancing with the assault squad of a rifle platoon during an attack against a group of strongly fortified enemy emplacements located along a ridge line, Hospital Corpsman Stone bravely exposed himself to the hostile fire to treat casualties and assisted the stricken men to a covered position. With the remainder of the squad pinned down and receiving further casualties, Hospital Corpsman Stone promptly gathered the grenades dropped by the wounded men, made his way through intense enemy machine-gun, grenade and small-arms fire to a position closely flanking the hostile bunkers and, in a gallant attempt to protect his comrades, hurled the missiles into the enemy emplacements, killing all the occupants and completely neutralizing both strong points. By his indomitable courage, outstanding initiative and valiant efforts on behalf of his comrades in the face of great odds, Hospital Corpsman Stone served to inspire all who observed him and was directly instrumental in the successful seizure of the platoon’s objective. His exceptional bravery and superb self-command reflect the highest credit upon himself and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.