The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Stiles Morrow Decker, Jr., United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Engineering and Diving Officer of the U.S.S. PUFFER (SS-268), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 30 April 1944 to 1 June 1944. Lieutenant Decker skillfully maintained depth control of his submarine on two different occasions while approaching an attack position, thereby assisting greatly in the damaging of a large enemy aircraft carrier on one occasion and the sinking of two large tankers and the damaging of a third on the second occasion. His courage, calm leadership, and excellent control of the ship on three occasions of heavy depth charging at deep depths, were an inspiration to the officers and men of his ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.