The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Stephen George Barchet (NSN: 0-58718), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer on the staff of Commander Submarines, United States Atlantic Fleet, from July 1943 to August 1944. Captain Barchet’s performance of duty contributed materially to the successes achieved by the United States in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war. By his unceasing attention to duty, initiative, and foresight in dealing with other commands he directed and coordinated the operations and services of submarines so that Atlantic Fleet surface and air units received maximum anti-submarine training. His outstanding direction of the operational schedule of new construction submarines during shakedown and pre-combat training constituted a major contribution to the expeditious delivery of a large number of well trained submarine crews to active combat duty. Captain Barchet’s outstanding performance of duty in a highly important position reflects great credit upon 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 Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Stephen George Barchet (NSN: 0-58718), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in connection with amphibious operations against the enemy as a member of the staff of Commander SEVENTH Amphibious Force from January 1945 to July 1945. As Control Officer during the assault landing on Lingayen on 9 January 1945, he took station at the line of departure of the assault waves within range of enemy shore batteries and skillfully and coolly directed the landing craft to the beach. Subsequently he served as Representative of Commander SEVENTH Amphibious Force at Leyte and, as such, was responsible for the coordination of shipping for amphibious operations which extended from Luzon through the Central and Southern Philippines, Sulu Archipelago, to and including Borneo. By his loyalty, sound judgment, and professional skill he contributed materially to the success of amphibious operations in the Philippine area. His service and conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Barchet is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)