Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    July 2, 1942 – May 6, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant John Paul Bracken (NSN: 0-77246), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States and her Allies while attached to the Staff of the Commander All Forces Aruba-Curacao, during the period from 9 July 1942 to 6 May 1943. The fact that the international agreement setting up the Aruba-Curacao command required that a Netherlands Naval Officer be named as Chief of Staff to Commander. All Forces compelled the latter to place on the shoulders of Lieutenant Bracken responsibilities and duties far in excess of those normally give to one of his rank; he was in fact, if not in name, the Chief of Staff of that Command, carrying out the assignment with great resourcefulness, vigor and indefatigable planning and coordination of the defense of these islands from imminent enemy attack, and for the smooth functioning of a united command which included not only U.S. Navy, Army and Army Air Force units, but units of the Netherlands and British Armed Forces as well. The sound, intelligent judgment displayed in the exercise of his authority gained for him the respect and esteem of those officers with whom he was associated, both Army and Navy, most of whom were senior to him in rank. His relations with the Netherlands military and civil authorities were characterized by great tact and diplomacy winning for him not only their admiration but a decoration from their Queen.