Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
R.
Cain

Home:

Quincy

, 

Massachusetts

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. PC-559

    Action Date:

    September 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 324 (March 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant John R. Cain, United States Naval Reserve, 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. PC-559 during the invasion of Italy in September 1943. Lieutenant Commander Cain maneuvered his ship through un-swept enemy mine fields and shelling from shore batteries without damage or casualties among his crew. Later, he exhibited great skill in evasive tactics, enabling his ship to fulfill its mission. By his superb handling he brought his ship through without damage or casualties to crew and then guided assault waves to the beaches.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. PC-559

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 325 (April 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant John R. Cain, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity when, as Captain of a the U.S.S. PC-559, he accurately located the assigned beach for the assault landing on the Island of Sicily, 10 July 1943. Despite his continuous exposure to shore searchlights, Lieutenant Cain maintained his anchorage 3,000 yards from said beach and continued to give the pre-arranged signal so that all landing craft would be guided to their proper beach. Although this was done in the face of extreme danger of fire from the enemy, Lieutenant Cain had the courage to maintain fire silence knowing that if he opened fire the surprise element of the assault on the Island of Sicily would be lost. His gallantry and courage in the face of extreme danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.