Colonel Stanley Hughes stands alone in Marine Corps history—the only Marine awarded the Navy Cross in both World War II and the Vietnam War.

On January 4, 1944, at Cape Gloucester, then–1st Lieutenant Stanley Hughes was leading a machine gun platoon with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division when his company was pinned down by enemy machine guns. Two platoon leaders were killed. Under intense fire, Hughes stood up, rallied the survivors, and led a charge across the stream. With no reinforcements coming, he crossed back alone through hostile fire—bringing food to his isolated men. For his fearless leadership, he was awarded the Navy Cross.

Twenty-four years later, during the Battle of Huế in Vietnam, now–Colonel Hughes once again led from the front—this time commanding the 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. On February 3, 1968, he moved through enemy-held territory to reach the besieged city of Huế. Exposing himself to heavy fire, Hughes directed counterattacks, called in supporting fire, and ensured supplies reached the front lines. He personally crossed a footbridge under fire to enter the Citadel, directly influencing the outcome of the battle.

For his actions at Huế, he received a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross, making history as the only U.S. Marine to receive the Navy Cross in two wars.

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