The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Max Raymond Stover (ASN: 0-975672), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Stover distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, on 16 October 1952. On that date, the company led by Lieutenant Stover, weakened and exhausted after two days of continuous fighting, was ordered to seize a tactically important part of a commanding terrain feature. Remaining always with the foremost element of the assault platoon, Lieutenant Stover guided his men up the battle-torn slope which let to their objective. When another company became pinned down by heavy small arms, automatic weapons, artillery, and mortar fire, Lieutenant Stover shouted to his men to follow him and led them through the pinned-down company and on toward the enemy positions. Without warning, a concealed machine-gun opened fire on the company inflicting heavy casualties and threatening to halt its advance. Exhibiting a complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Stover charged forward alone to a point near the emplacement and hurled a grenade into the position, destroying it. Mortally wounded, he nevertheless inspired his men to continue their advance and to overrun and secure the objective. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Stover on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.