John Flachsenhar graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1935. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.
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John Flachsenhar graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1935. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Jay Flachsenhar (NSN: 0-75113), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ROCK (SS-274), during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 22 June to 12 August 1944. Braving adverse weather conditions, Commander Flachsenhar penetrated heavy enemy escort screens to deliver two bold torpedo attacks and inflict severe damage on five hostile ships totaling 39,000 tons. Escaping subsequent enemy countermeasures, he succeeded in returning to port without damage to his ship. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Jay Flachsenhar (NSN: 0-75113), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Engineer and Repair Officer, Diving Officer and Assistant Approach Officer of a United States Submarine during War Patrols in enemy Japanese-controlled waters during World War II. Performing his duties with courage and efficiency, Commander Flachsenhar contributed materially to the sinking or damaging of more than 40,000 tons of enemy shipping. During an attack on a heavily escorted convoy, he was responsible in large measure for the correct firing data which enabled his ship to sink two Japanese vessels and to damage a third. His expert technical skill and resourcefulness in the face of numerous depth charge attacks and his unfaltering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.