The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Commander William Hart Stewart, United States Coast Guard, for meritorious service in connection with operations involving conflict against the enemy forces of North Vietnam, as Commanding Officer, USCGC Androscoggin (WHEC 68). Commander Stewart displayed outstanding professionalism and decisiveness in countering the infiltration attempt of an enemy steel hulled, trawler-type, supply ship off the coast of South Vietnam while on Market Time patrol on the evening of 29 February 1968. After skillfully shadowing the enemy vessel for several hours, Commander Stewart closed and challenged the trawler and upon receiving no reply opened fire with Androscoggin’s main battery, scoring a direct hit. The destruction of the trawler which was loaded with arms and munitions for Viet Cong forces prevented these vitally needed materials from reaching the enemy and was accomplished without serious personnel or material casualty although Androscoggin was taken under fire herself. The quick timely initiative and professional conduct displayed by Commander Stewart was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.