The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Bruce Mathewson, Jr. (MCSN: 254123), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Leader of a Light Machine Gun Section in Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Koto-ri, Korea, on 29 November 1950. When a determined hostile force attacked his sector of the company defense line with automatic weapons, small arms and hand grenades during the hours of darkness, Staff Sergeant Mathewson quickly ordered his guns into action and, risking his life in the face of heavy enemy fire, boldly moved from gun to gun in order to control effective fire and to encourage his men in resisting the fierce assault. Skillfully adjusting his guns, he succeeded in limiting the penetration of hostile troops who had forced their way into his sector and, armed only with a pistol, charged forward over the fire-swept ground to engage five of the enemy who had gained strategic positions between the guns of his section. After killing two of the invaders, he was struck by a burst of hostile fire and fell mortally wounded. His aggressive leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty were contributing factors in the ultimate repulse of the enemy and reflect the highest credit upon Staff Sergeant Mathewson and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.