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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Stephen Morris Archer (NSN: 0-71396), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander Underwater Reconnaissance Element in support of naval forces conducting operations in heavily mined waters during the period 10 to 22 October 1950. When the U.S.S. PLEDGE and U.S.S. PIRATE were mined on 12 October, he conducted rescue operations for surviving personnel with disregard for his own safety in the face of enemy gunfire from shore batteries. The leadership, force, and judgment displayed by Commander Archer in directing visual and sonar searches for mines throughout this period and in supervising underwater demolition operations in the vicinity of Koto and Rei-To Islands contributed directly to the successful clearance of mine channels and anchorage areas off Wonsan, Korea. His outstanding courage and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    November 1 – 22, 1950
    Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 919 (February 1, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Stephen Morris Archer (NSN: 0-71396), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Task Element 95.69 during the sweeping of enemy laid mines in the approaches and harbor of Chinnampo, Korea, from 1 November to 22 November 1950. Discharging his many responsibilities with diligence and ability, Commander Archer organized and successfully directed the operations under the most difficult conditions due to the extremely bad weather, varied types of ships and limited personnel and equipment. He expeditiously swept the channel in the short time of ten days without the loss of a man or ship, thereby opening the port for supplies badly needed by our ground forces. By his judgment, outstanding professional skill and conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of an important task he contributed materially to the action against the enemy in Korea. Commander Archer’s valiant and aggressive leadership was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Archer is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)