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.

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.