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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Gardner Tennent, III (NSN: 0-71649), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer-Minesweeper U.S.S. SOUTHARD (DD-207), during an engagement with an enemy submarine near San Cristobal Island, Solomon Islands, on 10 November 1942. When sight contact was established with a hostile submarine at a distance of three thousand yards, Lieutenant Commander Tennent immediately engaged the enemy in fierce combat which lasted nearly eight hours. Twice the submarine attacked with torpedoes, but Lieutenant Commander Tennent, displaying expert seamanship and keen judgment, was successful in avoiding them. Directing the maneuvers of his vessel with outstanding professional ability during the entire engagement, he subsequently outwitted and destroyed his desperate and determined opponent, thereby enabling his ship to continue its performance of vital minesweeping duties.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    July 1943 – January 30, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Commander John Gardner Tennent, III (NSN: 0-71649), United States Navy, 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. ANDERSON (DD-411) in action against enemy Japanese forces from July 1943 to 30 January 1944. During this period of hazardous duty, Commander Tennent participated in the bombardment of Kiska, in the escort and support of the SECOND Marine Division at Tarawa, and in the bombardment of Wotje, during which he was mortally wounded when fire from an enemy shore battery hit his ship. His fine qualities of leadership were an inspiration to those who served under him and his devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Tennent is authorized the Combat “V”.)