The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Joseph P. Stark, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), in the action against Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area on the night of 12 – 13 November 1942. Despite being wounded, Seaman First Class Stark remained at his gun and kept up a steady blast of fire in an effort to destroy an enemy torpedo plane which was already aflame and heading toward his station. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.