The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Stanley L. Howard (MCSN: 511096), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 16 June 1944. Covering the position of a friendly machine gun located at a strategic point in our front lines, Private First Class Howard fought with resolute skill during a series of vigorous night counterattacks initiated by the Japanese. When the enemy ruthlessly attempted to force a break in our lines and concentrated shattering mortar, machine-gun and artillery fire on his gun emplacement, scoring hits which knocked out the entire gun crew, he fearlessly exposed himself to the terrific volleys from all directions to take position at the vital weapon. Quickly removing the casualties from his immediate area, he manned the installation with determined aggressiveness and, pouring a steady stream of devastating gunfire on the advancing Japanese forces, succeeded in holding them off until replacements were available to man the position. By his resolute initiative, gallant fortitude and great personal valor, Private First Class Howard assisted materially in repelling the enemy attack, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service.