The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Alfred Stevenson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ASPRO (SS-309), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 9 July 1944 to 18 August 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the China Sea off the west coast of Luzon. With great skill and aggressiveness, Lieutenant Commander Stevenson directed his vessel in seven torpedo attacks on enemy merchant shipping, sinking four ships totaling 19,500 tons and damaging two ships totaling 6,000 tons. Operating in an area close to the enemy-held coast, he twice accepted the risk of extremely shallow water to take his vessel in for attacks on vessels which sought protection in these restricted waters. He skillfully maneuvered his ship on all attacks to counter the efforts of escort vessels and planes which were disposed against him and successfully countered all attempts by the enemy to thwart his attacks. Although his ship was on one occasion heavily and accurately depth charged, and was also strafed by an anti-submarine patrol plane, he returned to port without serious damage to ship or injury to crew. His performance of duty was indicative of great personal courage and commendable professional skill. His actions and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Division:
U.S.S. Aspro (SS-309)Action Date:
World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Alfred Stevenson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ASPRO (SS-309) during a War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Aware that a submerged approach upon an “I” Class enemy submarine was impossible, Commander Stevenson made a brilliant end around approach, reaching a favorable attack position eleven hours later, and launching an attack to sink this important enemy combatant ship. Later, he aggressively attacked an escort ship an enemy passenger-freighter, damaging her in his first attack and, while attempting to deliver a final blow, was forced to employ evasive tactics to avoid enemy gunfire and depth charges of the counterattacking escort. By expert shiphandling and skillful leadership, he was able to avoid severe hostile countermeasures and bring his ship to port. His resolute conduct and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Stevenson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander William Alfred Stevenson, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ASPRO (SS-309), during a War Patrol of that submarine during World War II. With outstanding determination and skill, he launched bold torpedo attacks which resulted in sinking over 15,000 tons of enemy shipping. 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.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Aspro (SS-309)Action Date:
September 10 to October 25, 1944
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0579 (January 21, 1945)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 Commander William Alfred Stevenson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ASPRO (SS-309), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Daring and tenacious, Commander Stevenson successfully penetrated strong enemy escort screens while operating in hazardous coastal shoal waters to launch well planned and executed torpedo attacks against enemy shipping which resulted in the sinking of four enemy vessels totaling 25,500 tons, and the damaging of an additional enemy ship of 10,000 tons. Despite depth-charges and aerial bombing he employed skillful evasive tactics and brought his ship to port. His devotion to duty, courage, and inspiring leadership reflect the highest credit upon Commander Stevenson and the United States Naval Service.