The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel John Calvin Munn (MCSN: 0-4273), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service while serving as Commanding Officer of a Marine Aircraft Group during the invasion and capture of Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 7 April to 1 July 1945. Colonel Munn conducted the first air operations against the enemy from a land base in the Ryukyu Islands and due largely to his able, ingenious and aggressive leadership, his group inflicted great damage on the enemy. Flying ashore on 7 April with the first aircraft, he began operations that same day by launching combat air patrols. After a week’s delay, his group was landed and he so effectively organized them and solved all problems of logistics and maintenance that not a single day’s operations against the enemy was lost by his group, despite the most adverse conditions of weather, enemy bombing and strafing attacks, and an enemy airborne attack on the airfield on the night of 24 – 25 May. Aircraft of his group destroyed one hundred and eighty enemy aircraft and damaged many others in aerial combat between 7 April and 1 July 1945. In addition the group flew night heckler missions against the enemy bases and daily close support missions for front line troops. His accomplishments in organizing his group into an effective combat unit, and overcoming the many obstacles and handicaps, contributed materially to the success of the campaign and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Munn is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel John Calvin Munn (MCSN: 0-4273), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the First Marine Aircraft Wing, during operations against enemy aggressor forces and after the signing of the truce agreement in Korea, from 8 May to 5 December 1953. During the closing months of active hostilities and the subsequent difficult period of readjustment to the conditions imposed by the military armistice, Colonel Munn discharged his many responsibilities with exceptional skill and diligence and successfully administered the widespread activities of a Marine aircraft wing deployed for combat. Skillfully utilizing his extensive experience as a tactical air group commander in combat, he greatly aided in directing tactical planning for the coordinated combat operations of subordinate units. A capable and resourceful officer, he displayed outstanding diplomacy and tact in dealing with other commands and services, thereby rendering invaluable assistance to the wing commander in carrying out command functions. By his inspiring leadership, sound judgment and unswerving devotion to duty, Colonel Munn contributed in large measure to the combat efficiency of the First Marine Aircraft Wing and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Munn is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
Marine Aircraft Group 31Action Date:
April 12, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel John Calvin Munn (MCSN: 0-4273), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-ONE in action against enemy Japanese forces on Yontan Airfield, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 12 April 1945. Exposed to hostile artillery shells falling nearby and to aircraft bombing and strafing attacks, Colonel Munn successfully launched the dawn patrol, using the only existing communication facilities in an exposed tent and, despite the continued enemy barrage, efficiently maintained control of the field, thereby contributing materially to the success of this operation. His outstanding courage, devotion to duty and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.