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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Clyde Benjamin Stevens, Jr. (NSN: 0-63204), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PLAICE (SS-390) during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine from 17 August 1944 to 12 October 1944. Despite strong enemy escorts, which included air support, he skillfully penetrated escort screens and through these daring maneuvers delivered smashing torpedo attacks against enemy shipping and combatant units. As a result of these well planned and brilliantly executed attacks, he sank a 10,000 ton enemy transport and its 600-ton CHIDORI Class escort, and damaged a FUSO Class Battleship of 29,300 tons and a cruiser of 7,100 tons. His skillful evasive tactics during strong enemy counter attacks enabled him to escape and bring his ship back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Plaice (SS-390)

    Action Date:

    November 9 – December 20, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01858 (March 3, 1945)

    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 Clyde Benjamin Stevens, Jr. (NSN: 0-63204), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PLACE (SS-390), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese controlled waters in the Pacific War Area, from 9 November to 20 December 1944. A bold tactician, Commander Stevens pursued an enemy force to launch brilliantly executed torpedo attacks which severely damaged two hostile destroyers totaling over 4,000 tons. By his sound judgment and skill, he successfully evaded severe enemy countermeasures. His unfaltering devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Plaice (SS-390)

    Action Date:

    June 4 – July 25, 1944
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific: Serial 08 (January 4, 1946_

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] Clyde Benjamin Stevens, Jr. (NSN: 0-63204), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PLAICE (SS-390), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 4 June 1944 to 25 July 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Bonin Islands and Kyushu Areas. Penetrating strong enemy escort screens, Captain Stevens delivered well-executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of four enemy ships, including a destroyer, totaling approximately 19,000 tons. During an air strike on Chichi Jima by our forces, he daringly conducted surface approaches close to the beach in search of downed friendly aviators despite accurate gunfire from enemy shore batteries. Employing skillful evasive tactics while under hostile gunfire and during severe enemy depth-charging, he succeeded in bringing his ship safe to port. His exemplary leadership and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.