While serving as a fireman, Petty Officer Stevens was among 370 crewmen lost when the heavy cruiser USS Quincy, while on patrol during the Battle of Savo Island, was attacked by a large Japanese naval force in the early hours of 9 August. Searchlights from the Japanese column came on and USS Quincy was caught in a crossfire between three enemy cruisers. The ship sustained many direct hits and three torpedo strikes that resulted in extensive fires and flooding which sunk the ship. Petty Officer Stevens was reported missing in action 9, Auggust 1942 and he was later Declared Dead 10 August 1943. His name is inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in Taguig City, Philippines. This narrative was researched by National Purple Heart Hall of Honor staff.