Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Army Award) to Radioman Second Class Stewart Willever (NSN: 2235302), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on Motor Torpedo Boat FORTY-ONE (PT-41), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), from 11 to 13 March 1942, in the Philippine Islands during a extraordinary action in a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur. With marked skill and coolness, Radioman Second Class Willever performed this mission of major strategic importance and of a most hazardous nature in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Radioman Second Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands & Japan)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – August 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Radioman Second Class Stewart Willever (NSN: 2235302), United States Navy, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control after the end of hostilities in August 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Radioman Second Class

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 (MTB-3)

    Action Date:

    1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 306 (September 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Radioman Second Class Stewart Willever (NSN: 2235302), United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star (Army Award) for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on Motor Torpedo Boat FORTY-ONE (PT-41), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), in the Philippine Islands. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.