Hepburn A. Pearce

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Hepburn A. Pearce, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action during the attack on the U.S.S. MARBLEHEAD (CL-12) by Japanese forces on 10 February 1942. Lieutenant Pearce voluntarily took charge of Forward Repair Party and assisted in bringing fires under control, checking spread of water in the ship and in rescue of the wounded.