The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Commander John Cheshire Daniel (NSN: 0-58791), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Officer-in-Charge of a whaleboat attempting rescue of personnel on the occasion of the sinking of the U.S.S. LEXINGTON on 8 May 1942. When about twenty survivors were observed in the water near the carrier and the LEXINGTON boat attempting their rescue appeared to be broken down, he volunteered and was directed to take the PHELPS whaleboat and rescue them. When almost there he observed the LEXINGTON boat clear the side with these men. Due to the fact that it had become quite dark it was impossible to tell whether or not all survivors had been picked up. In spite of the fact that the ship had a list of 20 to 30 degrees, her flight deck was afire from stem to stern, a severe explosion had just thrown planes and debris into the air and other planes on the deck were in imminent danger of sliding off the top of the boat, he, nevertheless, proceeded to look for any remaining survivors that might still have been in the water. With utter disregard for personal safety, he directed his boat along the entire port side (windward side) and then along the starboard (leeward) side to the point where smoke prevented anything being seen. Having assured himself there were no additional survivors he returned to his ship. His performance of this especially hazardous action at the risk of his life in an effort to save the lives of LEXINGTON personnel was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
June 20, 1952 – July 27, 1953
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 84 (November 3, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Rear Admiral John Cheshire Daniel (NSN: 0-58791), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 20 June 1952 to 27 July 1953. As Senior member of the Liaison Group and Delegate, United Nations Command Delegation engaged in armistice negotiations with representatives of the Korean People’s Army and the Chinese People’s Volunteers, he displayed outstanding acumen, keen judgment and professional competence of the highest order in dealing with enemy negotiators. Faced with unprecedented and trying conditions encountered in daily meetings, and under constant pressure, he resolutely and unrelentingly pressed toward the acceptance and adoption of measures essential to the conclusion of an effective armistice. As Senior Member of the Liaison Group and advisor to the Chief Delegate on matters of major decisions, policy and planning integral with the Delegations’ operations and mission he occupied a key role in the devising of procedures and strategy. Completely informed on all phases of the armistice negotiations and the varied and intricate aspects of the grave problems encountered, he evidenced concise understanding of the complex issues involved and advanced invaluable recommendations toward their resolution. Through close and sustained study and analysis of the enemy’s capabilities, proposals and probable intentions, and through the exercise of superior foresight, analytical ability and leadership, Admiral Daniel so guided his supporting staff officers as to achieve the maximum in efficiency and effectiveness from their combined efforts. Outstanding in his accomplishments as Senior Member of the Liaison Group and as a member of the United Nations Command Delegation, Admiral Daniel made a major contribution toward the efforts of the attainment of an armistice between the armed forces of the United Nations Command and those of the Korean People’s Army and the Chinese People’s Volunteers, reflecting the highest credit upon himself, the United Nations Command, and the military service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
Radar Picket Station UnitAction Date:
May 16 – June 21, 1945
Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 04313 (December 24, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain John Cheshire Daniel (NSN: 0-58791), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Tactical Command of Destroyer Squadron FORTY-FIVE (Desron 45), a Radar Picket Station Unit, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 16 May to 21 June 1945. With his unit under frequent and determined Japanese suicide attack, Captain Daniel handled his surface units and the planes of the combat air patrol assigned his command with superb skill and determination and, by his decisive actions and aggressive fighting spirit, was instrumental in the destruction of forty enemy aircraft. His leadership, professional skill and vigilant devotion to duty were contributing factors in the success of this vital operation, and his gallant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific Fleet: Serial 0-3033 (November 9, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Cheshire Daniel (NSN: 0-58791), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander of a squadron of Destroyers on 4 May 1945, during the assault and capture of Okinawa Gunto. When a nearby escort aircraft carrier was severely damaged by an enemy plane and terrific fires broke out on the hangar and flight decks, he brought his flagship alongside the carrier, sent out call for assistance, directed the fire fighting of vessels alongside, supervised the rescue of persons in the water, continued screening activities and handled all communications for the crippled vessel whose own communications were at a total loss. Through his prompt and efficient action, his vessel rescued numerous survivors and by his gallant leadership and deep devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, he contributed materially to the saving of the stricken ship. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.