Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 John Henderson Turner (NSN: 0-77118), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAL (SS-183), during the TWELFTH War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 10 October to 29 November 1944. With outstanding aggressiveness, determination and skill despite bad weather, Commander Turner launched well-planned and smartly executed attacks which resulted in sinking enemy vessels totaling over 9,000 tons. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Seal (SS-183)

    Action Date:

    August 8 – September 17, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0144 (January 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Henderson Turner (NSN: 0-77118), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAL (SS-183), on the ELEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 August 1944 to 17 September 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. By his courage and determination, Lieutenant Commander Turner was able to penetrate enemy escort screens to aggressively attack enemy shipping. As a result of his well-planned and skillfully executed torpedo attacks, he sank a 1,700 tons enemy destroyer and two other enemy ships for a total of 7,700 tons, and damaged three additional enemy ships totaling 20,800 tons. His skillful approaches and intelligent retirement tactics prevented serious damage to his ship by enemy counter-attacks, and enabled him to bring his ship back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sculpin (SS-191)
    Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet: Serial 36

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant John Henderson Turner (NSN: 0-77118), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in combat while serving as Engineer and Diving Officer of the U.S.S. SCULPIN (SS-191), during six extensive War Patrols of that submarine in enemy waters in 1942 and 1943. Lieutenant Turner courageously and skillfully performed his duties and thus assisted in the sinking of an important amount of Japanese shipping. His excellent judgment and coolness under fire contributed in a large measure to the success of the ship. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.