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Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Borden
Hess
April 25, 1914

–

February 22, 1994

John Hess graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1937. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pomfret (SS-391)

    Action Date:

    October 28 – December 11, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01671 (February 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Borden Hess (NSN: 0-78786), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. POMFRET (SS-391), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-controlled waters, from 28 October to 11 December 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into a favorable position to strike at the enemy forces, Commander Hess launched a night surface torpedo attack against a powerful enemy force composed of three destroyers and two smaller anti-submarine vessels, sinking two destroyers totaling 2,600 tons and effectively dispersing the group. In a subsequent engagement, he pressed home two aggressive attacks on a heavily escort ed convoy and inflicted severe damage on two enemy freighters totaling 9,800 tons and, employing skillful evasive tactics, escaped damage from intense enemy counterattacks. His inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous missions reflect the highest credit upon Commander Hess and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Swordfish (SS-193)

    Action Date:

    December 29, 1943 – February 7, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 70 (July 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Borden Hess (NSN: 0-78786), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer on board the U.S.S. SWORDFISH (SS-193), during the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific, from 29 December 1943 to 7 February 1944. Exercising skill and initiative, Commander Hess rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in carrying out repeated torpedo attacks to sink two hostile freighters totaling over 15,000 tons and to damage an additional freighter of 7,500 tons. Despite severe enemy countermeasures, he aided his ship in evading the enemy and in returning safe to port. His devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Commander Hess and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pomfret (SS-391)

    Action Date:

    January 25 – March 30, 1945
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 04981 (June 6, 1945)

    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 Borden Hess (NSN: 0-78786), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer on board the U.S.S. POMFRET (SS-391), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific, from 25 January to 30 March 1945. Skillfully navigating his vessel in enemy waters, Commander Hess daringly rescued two Naval aviators and, in addition, aided friendly planes in shooting down two enemy aircraft despite severe enemy countermeasures. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.