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Foster, John Lee

Date of birth:
January 2nd, 1913
Service number:
0-73616
Nationality:
American

Biography

February 1st, 1944: T/Cmdr
February 10th, 1944 - March 14th, 1945: CO, USS Fletcher (DD 445)

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Fletcher (DD-445), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
May 1945
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. FLETCHER (DD-445), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, from April to November 1944. Participating in six major amphibious operations, one night Naval action and one submarine hunter-killer operation, Commander Foster brought his ship and the others escorted by him through all actions without damage from the enemy and contributed materially to the success of the operations. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service"

Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02971
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Fletcher (DD-445), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
September 11th, 1945
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. FLETCHER (DD-445), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the bombardment and occupation of Mariveles, Southern Bataan and Corregidor, Philippine Islands, from 13 to 17 February 1945. When his ship was taken under fire by heavy enemy batteries on Corregidor and severely damaged during minesweeping operations, Commander Foster coolly closed in on the Island and delivered a devastating counter-battery fire at short range which silenced the hostile guns. Subsequently, despite his own ship's damage, he skillfully maneuvered in mine-strewn waters in close range of enemy batteries and successfully rescued the personnel of a stricken minesweeper. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 062

Sources