The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Stephen C. Walter (MCSN: 1170365), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Squad Leader of the advance assault element of a combat patrol of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 17 – 18 July 1953. With the enemy opening fire with a machine gun and hurling a shower of grenades upon his men during the squad’s initial assault against a strongly fortified hostile position located far forward of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Walter fearlessly moved about in the face of heavy fire and skillfully directed his unit in destroying the enemy machine gun and its crew. Observing a group of the enemy attempting to outflank the patrol, he immediately led his men in a determined fire fight and succeeded in cutting down the hostile troops and in achieving fire superiority over the fanatical enemy. Although critically wounded by an enemy fragmentation grenade as the patrol proceeded to move to the main lines, Sergeant Walter bravely attempted to persuade the patrol leader to leave him in order to facilitate the safe return of his comrades. Concerned only with the welfare of his unit and the successful completion of the mission, he gallantly fought off the imminent threat of shock and unconsciousness from loss of blood during the return trip and continued to instruct his men and to offer advice to the patrol leader. When extreme darkness prevented the patrol from sighting the exact location of the main line of resistance, he requested that a white phosphorous grenade be thrown from the main lines as a guide, which enabled the group to move in without further incident. Succumbing to his wounds shortly after being evacuated, Sergeant Walter, by his indomitable fighting spirit, inspiring leadership and exceptional fortitude, was largely responsible for the success of the patrol’s mission. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.