The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Quinten Alan Pierce (NSN: 0-123526), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. PLUNGER (SS-179), during the TENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-infested Pacific waters, from 13 January to 8 March 1944. Skilled and tireless in the performance of duty, Lieutenant Pierce expertly controlled the depth of his ship in the face of fierce enemy countermeasures and, by his outstanding skill and persevering efforts, rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting aggressive torpedo attacks against hostile surface units to sink four enemy ships totaling over 20,000 tons. By his courage and initiative, Lieutenant Commander Pierce upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.