The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William “S” Stovall, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUDGEON (SS-211), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that vessel. During the period 11 July 1942 until 2 September 1942, Lieutenant Commander Stovall conducted a highly successful and aggressive submarine patrol in enemy controlled waters of the Caroline Islands. After successfully locating enemy forces, Lieutenant Commander Stovall expertly maneuvered his ship into favorable attack position and boldly engaged the enemy with the result that the GUDGEON was enabled to sink four large Japanese vessels, three of which were closely convoyed by enemy destroyers. His outstanding leadership, aggressiveness and gallant devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Commander Stovall, his command and 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 Navy Cross to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] William “S” Stovall, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUDGEON (SS-221), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that vessel in the Solomon Islands Area from 8 October 1942 to 1 December 1942. Cool and courageous despite the strain of prolonged undersea operations in hazardous enemy waters, Captain Stovall pressed home his attacks in the face of intense hostile countermeasures and, launching repeated torpedo assaults on his targets, sank three escorted enemy auxiliary ships, totaling 21,500 tons, and severely damaged another escorted auxiliary ship of 7,500 tons. By his skillful evasive tactics in preventing damage to the U.S.S. GUDGEON, his daring aggressiveness and his valiant devotion to duty, Captain Stovall upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.