Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Odgers Miner (NSN: 0-70071/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of a Unites States Destroyer during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, from 15 June to 27 November 1944. Providing effective protection for our heavy Naval units against savage Japanese air attack during the assault and occupation of Saipan, Commander Miner fought his ship’s guns with determined aggressiveness, continuing his bold, defiant tactics as he took his man-of-war through the First Battle of the Philippine Sea and the re-occupation of Guam in further demonstration of her staunch fighting spirit. Rendering varied service over a protracted period, he gallantly went to the rescue of six air crews downed in enemy waters and carried out numerous support missions, hurling the full strength of the ship against frequent hostile air attacks and blasting enemy installations in fierce operations which culminated in the Battle for Leyte Gulf. Brilliantly maintaining his ship’s record of indomitable valor during these uninterrupted bitter hostilities, Commander Miner, by his undaunted courage, forceful leadership and constant devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, contributed essentially to the success of our offensive operations in the Pacific Theater and his resolute conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 26, 1963 – May 1966
    Board Serial 3253 (May 12, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral John Odgers Miner (NSN: 0-70071/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director for Operations, National Military Command System, from 26 August 1963 to 4 August 1965, and as Chief Western Hemisphere Division, Plans and Policy Directorate, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 5 August 1965 through May 1966. In his capacity as Deputy Director for the National Military Command Center, Admiral Miner exercised outstanding professional skill and leadership in the formulation of progressive steps essential to the implementation of, and the direction and management of the detailed and complex tasks involved in the achievement of a highly effective and responsive system of world-wide command and control. As Chief, Western Hemisphere Division, Plans and Policy Directorate, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he skillfully led his organization in making highly effective contributions to national policy on a wide range of matters of major importance to the United States. Rear Admiral Miner has participated in the development of policy and plans for the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a series of crises in Latin America. His forceful leadership, clear and incisive thinking, determination, and thorough professional competence reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.