Daniel A. Stuart

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Daniel A. Stuart, Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MADISON (DD-425) during frequent shore bombardments and engagements with sub-surface craft in the Menton Area on the France-Italian Riviera during September 1944. Under the capable and inspiring leadership of Commander Stuart, the U.S.S. MADISON conducted repeated and effective firing missions against hostile shore batteries and troop concentrations which ranged themselves against the allied ground advance towards and beyond the Italian border. With excellent accuracy and volume of fire, his ship assisted in breaking up enemy counter-attacks against our ground forces and in the neutralization and destruction of many vital targets opposing the Allied occupation of the coastal areas. On 18 September 1944 when a large number of hostile submarines were sent out to attack the U.S.S. MADISON and an accompanying destroyer, ten of these craft were positively and one possibly sunk in the ensuing action. By his skillful maneuvering and intrepid prosecution of this action, Commander Stuart avoided all attacks on his ship and was responsible for at least four of the sinkings. The exceptional courage, fearless leadership under fire and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Stuart were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.