The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander John Howard Maurer (NSN: 0-74831), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ATULE (SS-403) during a War Patrol of that Submarine during World War II. After a determined fifteen-hour chase Commander Maurer launched a skillfully conducted torpedo attack which resulted in the sinking of one combatant unit and the damaging of another, for a total of approximately 2,000 tons. He skillfully evaded enemy countermeasures and brought his ship back to port safely. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
July 17, 1964 – April 26, 1966
All Hands (May 1967)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral John Howard Maurer (NSN: 0-74831), 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 Chief of the Supply Management Division, Supply Operations Directorate, Defense Supply Agency, from 17 September 1965 to 30 September 1966.
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Legion of Merit
All Hands (November 1968)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral John Howard Maurer (NSN: 0-74831), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from June 1966 through June 1968, as Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
United States Navy Submarine (SS)Action Date:
World War II
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 03059 (July 8, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Howard Maurer (NSN: 0-74831), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer of a United States Submarine during an aggressive and successful War Patrol in enemy controlled waters during World War II. His expert coordination of the fire control party, coolness during periods of intense enemy counter-action, and excellent counsel to the Commanding Officer on all attacks, were largely instrumental in helping to sink three enemy ships totaling over 15,400 tons and damaging four additional enemy ships totaling over 27,100 tons. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Atule (SS-403)Action Date:
October 9 – December 11, 1944
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01639 (February 25, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Howard Maurer (NSN: 0-74831), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ATULE (SS-403), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 9 October 1944 to 11 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Strait of the Philippine Islands. With cool aggressiveness, sound judgment and skill, Commander Maurer launched well-planned attacks which resulted in sinking enemy ships totaling over 25, 000 tons. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.