The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Matthew D. Dukes (MCSN: 1153593), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Fire Team Leader in Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 14 September 1951. Moving forward with the point platoon when an enemy sniper temporarily pinned down advancing elements during an attack against a heavily fortified enemy deeply entrenched on commanding ground, Corporal Dukes boldly charged forward alone in pursuit of the sniper. Sustaining a bullet wound which deprived him of the use of his left eye, he gallantly continued on and, crawling across 40 yards of open fire-swept terrain launched a single-handed attack and destroyed the enemy with small-arms fire. Although bleeding profusely, he refused to seek aid and, remaining in the assault, drove forward with his unit until the objective had been seized and his platoon firmly established in defensive positions. Observing a fellow Marine lying wounded in an open area and under concerted hostile fire as he made his way toward the aid station, Corporal Dukes again exposed himself to the intense barrage in an effort to effect a rescue and, carefully lifting the helpless victim and placing him on his back, carried him to a covered position from which he could be evacuated. His fortitude, dauntless perseverance and great personal valor, maintained in the face of tremendous odds, served as an inspiration to all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon corporal Dukes and the United States Naval Service.

SGT Dukes was a life member.