Navy Federal Credit Union

As a young man, John Dunn made a name for himself bare-knuckle boxing for money. When World War II began he tried to join the Marines, but was rejected because of his flat feet, so he entered the Army as an enlisted man. He volunteered for “a dangerous, secret mission” in Burma just to see action. During the Korean War he was captured in North Korea after being shot in the jaw. He was the highest-ranking officer among 737 American of whom only 275 survived the 38-month captivity.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    July 1950 – September 1953

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 53 (July 9, 1954)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Joseph Dunn (ASN: 0-31385), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Korea and China from July 1950 to September 1953.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korea)

    Action Date:

    July 7, 1950 – September 6, 1953

    Major (Infantry) John Joseph Dunn (ASN: 0-31385), United States Army, was interned as a Prisoner of War during the Korean War after he was captured on 7 July 1950 and was held until his release on 6 September 1953.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    Z Force

    Division:

    5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces-China/Burma/India, General Orders No. 131 (October 12, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) John Joseph Dunn (ASN: 0-31385), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Z Force, 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) (Merrill’s Marauders), in action against enemy forces in Northern Burma, on 31 July 1944. Captain Dunn’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.