Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    6th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 21, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 100638

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major John R. Kerman (MCSN: 0-8407), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Operations Officer of the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 21 June 1945. Directed to supervise the closing of a gap between his battalion and the battalion on its left and to coordinate the defensive fires of the two groups for the night, Major Kerman courageously led a reconnaissance party in determining the exact limits of the gap. When he and his party were subjected to enemy fire at close range from a well-concealed position and were forced to take cover, he observed that a wounded officer of his group had failed to reach safety and was lying wounded in an exposed area. Despite the extreme peril, Major Kerman fearlessly left cover and brought him to safety. Later, after directing a relieving patrol in destroying the hostile emplacement, he continued on his mission and, in the face of further enemy resistance, succeeded in closing the gap before nightfall. By his determination, fortitude and devotion to duty, Major Kerman upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.