The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain George F. Stockes (MCSN: 0-950), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a patrol of the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the vicinity of Zapote, Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua on 28 September 1928. At 1:30 a.m. Captain Stockes, learning that a numerically superior force of bandits under the leadership of General Salgado were about to attack his town, immediately proceeded to the scene with his patrol and by the prompt and judicious use of his resources quickly broke up the threatened attack. The same day he conducted his patrol over difficult terrain and launched a vigorous attack against the bandit forces, then occupying a well-prepared position. So well did Captain Stockes make his dispositions and so sharply did his patrol launch and drive home the attack that the bandits were routed after suffering heavy losses. Later he planned and conducted an advance along the border from Rio Negro to Los Manos which forced the bandit groups of Ortez and Salgado to seek shelter in Honduras with their consequent disintegration and disappearance. In all of these operations Captain Stockes distinguished himself by the display of excellent judgment and initiative and extraordinary bravery, coolness and leadership.