World War II

Laffey earned three bronze service stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon for participating in the following operations:
1 Star CAPE ESPERANCE — SECOND STRIKE
11–12 October 1942.
1 Star CAPTURE AND DEFENSE OF GUADALCANAL
12 November 1942.
1 Star GUADALCANAL — THIRD STRIKE
12–15 November 1942.