The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Maurice William Shea (NSN: 0-78685), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Executive Officer and Navigator of the U.S.S. GUDGEON (SS-211), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 13 March to 6 April 1943. Lieutenant Commander Shea, by his courageous and skillful leadership, expert navigation in hazardous waters, and sound judgment, rendered inestimable assistance to his Commanding Officer in sinking or damaging six enemy vessels totaling 35,551 tons. On one occasion he daringly and adeptly led the approach party in an attack on an escorted convoy in the Java Sea, in which his ship sank two enemy cargo ships and damaged a third. Further, his untiring attention to administrative details permitted his Commanding Officer to devote his entire attention to fighting the ship. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 [then Lieutenant Commander] Maurice William Shea (NSN: 0-78685), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Executive Officer and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. REDFIN (SS-272), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 19 March to 2 May 1944. Skilled and tireless in the accomplishment of his duties, Commander Shea rendered invaluable service in organizing and directing the fire-control party, contributing materially to the sinking of one enemy destroyer of 1,500 tons and four hostile merchant ships totaling 28,690 tons. Courageously manning his station in the face of extreme enemy countermeasures, he assisted his Commanding Officer in conning the ship to prevent damage. His outstanding leadership, professional ability and zealous devotion to the completion of each perilous mission reflect the highest credit upon Commander Shea and the United States Naval Service.