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”.)



