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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander John Lee Foster (NSN: 0-73616), United States Navy, 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Fletcher (DD-445)

    Action Date:

    February 13 – 17, 1945
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 062 (September 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Lee Foster (NSN: 0-73616), United States Navy, 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.