Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUDGEON (SS-221), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that vessel in the Solomon Islands Area from 8 October 1942 to 1 December 1942. Cool and courageous despite the strain of prolonged undersea operations in hazardous enemy waters, Captain Stovall pressed home his attacks in the face of intense hostile countermeasures and, launching repeated torpedo assaults on his targets, sank three escorted enemy auxiliary ships, totaling 21,500 tons, and severely damaged another escorted auxiliary ship of 7,500 tons. By his skillful evasive tactics in preventing damage to the U.S.S. GUDGEON, his daring aggressiveness and his valiant devotion to duty, Captain Stovall upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."