American President Lines. Meritorious Service Medal, “John H. Stark”

American President Lines Meritorious Service Medal, gold, machine-engraved on the reverse “John H. Stark/Explosion & Fire at Sea/SS President Pierce/February 12, 1953″. $350

SS President Pierce, an 8,000 ton freighter, carrying a crew of 54 and 9 passengers, suffered an explosion and fires in its cargo holds about 100 miles southeast of Yokohama, Japan. After fighting the fires for several hours, the crew finally contained them. Two crewmen were seriously burned in the effort. The Kansas City Star reported that Jack Stark, age 63, of Prairie Village, Kansas and a crewman aboard the ship, was safe.