The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant John S. Letcher (MCSN: 0-4282), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as the commander of a patrol of the Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the vicinity of Palacaguina, Nicaragua, on 10 December 1928. After his patrol had been ambushed by bandit forces and his horse had been shot from under him by machine gun fire, Second Lieutenant Letcher immediately deployed his patrol and launched a vigorous attack against the bandit machine gun emplacement. So well was the attack executed the position was quickly taken and the bandits dispersed. By his aggressiveness and excellent leadership and by his display of bravery and coolness, Second Lieutenant Letcher terminated what might have resulted in a protracted engagement.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelRegiment:
12th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine DivisionAction Date:
July 26, 1944
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00437The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel John S. Letcher (MCSN: 0-4282), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 26 July 1944. When a number of enemy troops infiltrated a location about thirty yards from the Regimental Command Post in order to attack positions within the beachhead, Lieutenant Colonel Letcher organized a counterattack with the available officers and men at the command post and, by his prompt action and leadership, contributed materially to the destruction of seventeen Japanese and to the capture of one light machine gun, thereby preventing possible capture of the Regimental Command Post and destruction of our guns which were located two hundred yards further to the rear. His professional skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: John S. Letcher (MCSN: 0-4282), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 19 February through 22 March 1945.
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Legion of Merit
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: John S. Letcher (MCSN: 0-4282), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.