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John
Lester
Wilfong
September 5, 1902

–

October 16, 1987

John Wilfong graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1926. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1944 – June 12, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 352 (July 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain [then Commander] John Lester Wilfong, 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 Communications Officer on the staff of Commander Amphibious Group SIX from 15 August 1944 to 12 June 1945.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lang (DD-399)

    Action Date:

    August 6 – 7, 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 326 (May 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Lester Wilfong, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LANG (DD-399), during a surface engagement with enemy Japanese forces at Vella Gulf, Solomon Islands, on the night of 6 – 7 August 1943. Lieutenant Commander Wilfong maneuvered his ship and struck boldly with well-timed and perfectly coordinated torpedo attacks, which resulted in the sinking of one Japanese cruiser and three destroyers. He brought his ship through the engagement without loss or damage. Lieutenant Commander Wilfong’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.