Navy Federal Credit Union

John Gingrich graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1920. He retired as a U.S. Navy Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral [then Captain]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pittsburgh (CA-72)

    Action Date:

    March 17, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0633 (September 19, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral [then Captain] John Edward Gingrich (NSN: 0-20251), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a United States heavy cruiser in operations against the enemy in the Kyushu-Okinawa Area during the period 17 March 1945 to the close of fast carrier task force operations in support of the assault on Okinawa. Throughout this long period of intense combat activity, his inspiring leadership consistently maintained the fighting efficiency of his ship at a high peak and made possible an exemplary record of destruction of enemy aircraft by ship’s gunfire. His courageous, inspiring leadership and professional skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Gingrich is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral [then Captain]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pittsburgh (CA-72)

    Action Date:

    March 23 – May 25, 1945

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 352 (July 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral [then Captain] John Edward Gingrich (NSN: 0-20251), United States Navy, 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 as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PITTSBURGH (CA-72) from 23 March 1945 to 25 May 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pittsburgh (CA-72)

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0419 (April 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Edward Gingrich (NSN: 0-20251), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. PITTSBURGH (CA-72), in operations against the enemy on 19 March 1945. While a seriously damaged aircraft carrier lay dead in the water as a result of enemy action and while she was still being subjected to hostile air attacks, he skillfully passed a hawser to the stricken ship and successfully towed her until she regained power to maintain cruising speed. At the same time, he directed his ship’s guns in providing protective cover. His courageous, inspiring leadership and professional skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 31, 1952 – February 12, 1953

    Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 18638 (November 30, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Edward Gingrich (NSN: 0-20251), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as COMUNBLOCK&ESCORTFOR engaged in operations against hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces from 31 May 1952 to 12 February 1953. It was his responsibility to organize naval units from eleven different nations into one force capable of handling such complex and varied operations as coastal blockade, minesweeping, escort for logistic ships, shore bombardment, island defense and aerial support for United Nations ground forces. With consummate skill and a wise understanding of many problems involved, he coordinated the diverse naval units under his command into a highly effective force which completely denied the enemy the use of his sea lanes, virtually eliminated the threat of enemy mines for gun-fire ships involved in in-shore operations and inflicted wide-spread destruction on enemy supply and transportation facilities. Under Rear Admiral Gingrich’s competent direction, the recently established ROK Navy was developed into an effective and efficient fighting organization. Ships of Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Thailand and Colombia also operated successfully under his direction. In order to be fully informed in his activities he frequently visited the islands occupied by friendly forces, cruised in various vessels of his command and was under heavy enemy fire on numerous occasions. Through his distinguished service, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the United Nations’ cause in Korea. His steadfast devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.