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John
Kenneth Burkholder
Ginder
August 13, 1900

–

November 21, 1980

John Ginder graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1923. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Destroyer Squadron 21 (DesRon 21)

    Action Date:

    February 13 – 18, 1945
    Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 062 (September 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Kenneth Burkholder Ginder (NSN: 0-58025), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-ONE (DesRon 21), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the bombardment and occupation of Mariveles Harbor, Southern Bataan and Corregidor, Philippine Islands, from 13 to 18 February 1945. Operating under intense fire from enemy heavy guns on Corregidor in mine-strewn waters, Captain Ginder judiciously placed his ships and directed their fire in delivering a devastating counterfire which silenced many of the hostile guns and destroyed menacing mines. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Anderson (DD-411)

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Kenneth Burkholder Ginder (NSN: 0-58025), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. ANDERSON (DD-411), during the rescue of survivors of the U.S.S. LEXINGTON in the Battle of the Coral Sea, on 8 May 1942. While still in danger of another attack by enemy planes and while the LEXINGTON was being shaken by violent explosions and gutted by raging fires, Commander Ginder placed his ship alongside the LEXINGTON, in total disregard for his own safety, and took off a large number of survivors. His skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 1944 – June 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 349 (April 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain John Kenneth Burkholder Ginder (NSN: 0-58025), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-ONE, in action against Japanese forces from August 1944 to June 1945.