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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Hepburn Alcott Pearce (NSN: 0-70045), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving aboard the Light Cruiser U.S.S. MARBLEHEAD (CL-12), when that ship was bombed by Japanese planes during the Battle of the Java Sea on 10 February 1942. Realizing that his services at his regular battle station were not immediately pressing, Lieutenant Pearce promptly and voluntarily took charge of the Forward Repair Party and with great skill assisted in bringing the fires under control, checking the spread of water in the ship and in the rescue of the wounded, thereby releasing Damage Control Officers to operate at the scenes of other casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Edison (DD-439)

    Action Date:

    September 9 & 10, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Hepburn Alcott Pearce (NSN: 0-70045), 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. EDISON (DD-439), during amphibious operations in the Gulf of Salerno, Italy, on 9 and 10 September 1943. Courageously fighting his ship close inshore in enemy mined and unswept waters in the face of repeated attacks from hostile aircraft and shore batteries, Commander Pearce provided excellent gunfire support for the assault waves of landing craft and our troops on the beaches, inflicting severe, extensive damage on the enemy. By his expert seamanship and indomitable fighting spirit, maintained under extremely hazardous combat conditions, Commander Pearce contributed in large measure to the success of the invasion of the mainland of Italy.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Edison (DD-439)

    Action Date:

    August 1944
    Commander 8th Fleet: Serial 5904

    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 Hepburn Alcott Pearce (NSN: 0-70045), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. EDISON (DD-439), during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship through mine-infested waters during the initial assault, Commander Pearce approached the hostile shores in the face of heavy return fire and, directing the EDISON in carrying out sustained bombardments against enemy coastal defenses, contributed materially to silencing hostile batteries and destroying concentrations on shore. Maintaining his ship at the peak of combat efficiency, Commander Pearce, by his professional skill and devotion to duty aided substantially in the successful operation of our amphibious forces and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.