Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Second Battalion

    Regiment:

    Scond Regiment

    Division:

    First Special Service Force

    Action Date:

    June 1, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 14 (January 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Stanley C. Waters, Canadian Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Second Battalion, Second Regiment, First Special Service Force, in action against the enemy near Artena, Italy, on 1 June 1944. Assuming command of the Second Battalion, Second Regiment, First Special Service Force when other officers had become casualties, Major Waters and his men, just prior to crossing the line of departure, were subjected to intense machine gun fire and deadly concentrations of artillery. Instinctively, the men bunched up in the only available defilade position, a small sunken road. Shortly the supporting armor came forward using the same road as its route of approach. Taking advantage of this prized target, the enemy increased the artillery barrage. Realizing the ultimate outcome of the desperate predicament, Major Waters, without hesitation, exposed himself to the deadly enemy fire in order to reorganize the tank unit and coordinate it with his attacking infantry. Through his efforts the attack was highly successful, resulting in strong enemy defenses being destroyed and numerous prisoners captured. The coolness and courage displayed by Major Waters is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the Allied Nations.