Stanley D. Kops

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Stanley D. Kops (291225), Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as Commander of the Third Platoon, Company C, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion, during the enemy Japanese attack on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 13 and 14 September 1942. Assigned to a position on the battalion reserve line about 1,000 yards south of the airfield, Platoon Sergeant Kops so inspired his men that his outstanding bravery and disregard for his own safety, that they were able to hold that position against overwhelming odds until ordered to take up a position to the rear. Upon orders of his Commanding Officer, he then organized another platoon of men, separated from their own units in the darkness, and led them in a successful attack, repulsing the enemy in vicious hand-to-hand combat. His courageous and exemplary leadership and his gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

SPOT AWARD (December 1942) (SofN Signed February 22, 1943)