Joseph Edward Stika was a Vice Admiral in the United States Coast Guard. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1911 and held various commands until he retired in 1951, including the USCGC Bibb (WPG-31). In 1934, while commanding the USS Seneca, he received a commendation from the government of Sweden for his service during a rescue mission involving the Swedish vessel af Chapman. Stika received the Navy Cross for his actions during the T.A. Gillespie Company Shell Loading Plant explosion. His award citation reads: