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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Paul Cecil Stimson (NSN: 0-77174), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEA ROBIN (SS-407) during a War Patrol of that Submarine during World War II. With consummate skill and great determination, the Commanding Officer delivered torpedo and gun attacks which resulted in the sinking of over 5,000 tons of enemy shipping. In a difficult night recovery the Commanding Officer daringly rescued a downed aviator. He skillfully evaded all enemy countermeasures and brought his ship back to port safely. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Stimson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Division:

    U.S.S. Tucker

    Action Date:

    August 16, 1938

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Ensign Paul Cecil Stimson (NSN: 0-77174), United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On the night of 16 August 1938, Ensign Stimson, while in charge of the U.S.S. TUCKER’s rescue boat and party showed exemplary initiative and courage in attempting the rescue of the crew of the PBY-13 which had crashed in the eastern part of San Diego Bay. Disregarding the risks incurred he made repeated dives into the tangled wreckage of the hull of the plane in the effort to rescue the crew confined therein.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Finback (SS-230)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 34

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Paul Cecil Stimson (NSN: 0-77174), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in combat while serving aboard the U.S.S. FINBACK (SS-230) during World War II. During three extensive war patrols in enemy waters and despite determined enemy opposition he courageously and skillfully performed his duties as Diving Officer in a United States Submarine and thus assisted in the sinking of an important amount of Japanese shipping. His excellent judgment and coolness under fire contributed in a large measure to the success of the ship. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sea Robin (SS-407)

    Action Date:

    February 24 – April 29, 1945
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 030269 (June 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Paul Cecil Stimson (NSN: 0-77174), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEA ROBIN (SS-407), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 24 February 1945 to 29 April 1945, in enemy controlled waters off Singapore. Commander Stimson tenaciously attacked heavily escorted enemy shipping and sank approximately 15,000 tons. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Stimson brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    United States Navy Submarine (SS)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 02903

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Paul Cecil Stimson (NSN: 0-77174), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Executive Officer of a United States Submarine during a War Patrol in enemy controlled waters during World War II. Despite determined enemy opposition, he skillfully performed his duties as Executive Officer, Navigator, and Assistant Approach Officer, assisting in sinking over 17,000 tons of enemy shipping and damaging over 14,000 tons. His coordination of the Fire Control Party contributed in a large measure to the success of the ship. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.