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McCain, John Sidney Jr.

Date of birth:
January 17th, 1911 (Council Bluffs/Iowa, United States)
Date of death:
March 22nd, 1981
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Gunnel (SS-253), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
December 2nd, 1946
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUNNEL (SS-253), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 28 May 1943 to 3 July 1943. By his coolness under fire, his skillful handling of his ship and his courage, he succeeded in sinking an important amount of enemy shipping including one enemy destroyer. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 40
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Admiral
Unit:
Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Navy
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander in Chief, United States Naval Forces, Europe, from April 1967 to July 1968. Responsible for maintaining the United States Naval Forces in the European area at a high state of readiness, Admiral McCain anticipated U.S. requirements and prepared his command with great professional skill for contingency operations during the Middle East crisis, resulting in the strategic location of surface, air, and amphibious forces in the Eastern Mediterranean for the most effective utilization in any contingency. The clarity, forcefulness, and wisdom of his guidance to subordinate commanders during the Arab-Israeli War, the U.S.S. LIBERTY incident, and the Cyprus crisis of 1967 ensured alert and prepared forces promptly deployed in a maximum state of combat readiness, and thereby contributed significantly to a decrease in international tension in each instance. Throughout his tenure in command, Admiral McCain took innovative and sound measures to increase the readiness of naval forces. By his efforts, the SIXTH Fleet was provided the guidance and organizational assistance to make it an effective and ready force for peace. Through his astute and brilliant leadership and inspiring devotion to duty, Admiral McCain rendered valuable and distinguished service in the European area during this critical period of crisis, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
For successfully commanding Operation Steel Pike exercise off the coast of Spain.

First Gold Star in lieu
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:
Vice Admiral
Awarded on:
September 1967
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period July 1965 to April 1967 as Vice Chairman, U.S. Delegation, United Nations Military Staff Committee and Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier."

Second Gold Star in lieu
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Dentuda (SS-335), U.S. Navy
"During his one patrol with submarine Dentuda, he damaged a large freighter and sank two guardboat-style patrol craft in the East China Sea and the Taiwan Straits."

With "Combat V"
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
"His zeal in the investigation and development of new submarine tactics and weapons has been outstanding."
Navy Letter of Commendation
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Second Navy Letter of Commendation
Navy Letter of Commendation
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Combat V"
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NMCCOM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With 3 service stars
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With 3 service stars
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)

With 1 star
National Defense Service Medal (NDSM)
Period:
Vietnam War (1955-1975)

3 service stars
Vietnam Service Medal (VSM)

Sources

Photo