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 Lieutenant Commander Edward Clark Stephan (NSN: 0-62650), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. While Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208) during the FOURTH and FIFTH War Patrols of that Submarine from October 1942 to 23 January 1943 in the Solomon Islands, Lieutenant Commander Stephan maneuvered his ship into positions from which to strike the enemy, and aggressively attacked, sinking two medium transports, probably sinking one large submarine, medium cargo ship, and four troop landing barges, and probably damaging a large unidentified ship. Further, he directed the service of the GRAYBACK in effectively assisting the bombardment of Munda Island by surface ships, and directed the rescue of six U.S. Army Air Force personnel from an island then occupied by the enemy. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Grayback (SS-208)Action Date:
1942 & 1943
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01623 (July 11, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Edward Clark Stephan (NSN: 0-62650), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208), during the War Patrols of that submarine in 1942 and 1943. With courage and skill he attacked two escorted enemy convoys and two enemy destroyers which resulted in damaging an important amount of enemy shipping, including one destroyer. By skillful evasive tactics he eluded heavy enemy counter measures and succeeded in bringing his ship safely home. His leadership and skill throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Grayback (SS-208)Action Date:
January 4, 1943
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 23 (1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Commander Edward Clark Stephan (NSN: 0-62650), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208) in action on 4 January 1943. Commander Stephan effected the rescue of six members of the crew of an Army Medium Bombardment Airplane (B-26) from Rendova Island, after this crew had been forced to abandon their airplane as the result of enemy anti-aircraft fire in an attack on Munda Airdrome. For this purpose it was necessary to enter into Rendova Harbor in an area of enemy surface activity, in close proximity to an enemy airdrome at Munda. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Military Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Grayback (SS-208)Action Date:
April 25 – May 30, 1943
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01914 (March 5, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander Edward Clark Stephan (NSN: 0-62650), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208) during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 25 April 1943 to 30 May 1943. After skillful maneuvering, he launched attacks which damaged enemy shipping and an enemy warship totaling 28,625 tons. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.