For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: Private First Class Stewart distinguished himself by heroic actions on 9 July 1965 in the Republic of Vietnam. Private Stewart while reconnoitering a stream bank prior to expansion of his platoon’s perimeter, found himself face-to-face with an armed Viet Cong guerrilla. Reacting quickly, Private Stewart grabbed the enemy soldier and threw him into the stream, disarming him in the hand-to-hand combat that followed. Another friendly soldier, who had been covering Private Stewart’s actions, immediately crossed the stream to his assistance and upon arriving found that he and Private Stewart were surrounded by five more insurgent soldiers. Realizing that they could not fire back toward their own platoon both men, without hesitation, attacked the enemy soldiers with the butts of their rifles and with their hands. This decisive and violent action resulted in the capture of six Communist Viet Cong prisoners. After turning the six hostile prisoners over to a machine gun crew, Private Stewart returned to the embattled area and aided in the capture of another insurgent soldier. Private Stewart’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.