Clement J. Stadler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Clement J. Stadler (0-11102), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Battery E, Second Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 16 June 1944. When the ammunition dump was set on fire by enemy shells, Captain Stadler boldly led a group of men into the blazing area in a gallant effort to extinguish the flames. Although hostile shellfire still covered the area, he personally buried individual burning rounds and directed his men in extinguishing the main blaze, thereby eliminating a great hazard to the Battalion and preventing the destruction of large quantities of urgently needed ammunition. His heroic initiative, aggressive leadership and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 7394 (SofN Signed January 28, 1948)